Project Overview
The proposed Saumarez Wind Energy Project is a 49 megawatt (MW) wind energy project located on Crown land north of the Village of Allardville, in Gloucester County, New Brunswick. The Project will include up to seven wind turbines, which will be interconnected to the existing New Brunswick Power transmission network.
If the Project receives all relevant utility and regulatory approvals, major construction will commence in June 2026. Construction is anticipated to take 18 months. If awarded, the Project will start commercial operation by the end of 2027, with an expected operational lifespan of at least 25 years. The Project will meet provincial requirements for decommissioning at the end of its lifecycle should its generation agreement term not be extended.
Milestones
| 2021 – 2026 | Pre-construction Stakeholder Engagement | 2022 – 2025 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 2023 – 2025 | Local Permitting | 2023 | NB Power REOI Bid Submission | 2024 - 2025 | Potential Execution of a Power Purchase Agreement | 2026 – 2027 | Anticipated Construction Period | 2027 | Anticipated Start of Commercial Operation |
|---|
Project Benefits
A central focus of the Project during the development, construction, and operation phases is to ensure that as much local labour, services, and materials as possible are used. It is anticipated that, if built, the Project will create significant direct and indirect benefits for local stakeholders, including First Nations communities. The Project will positively impact local businesses and generate employment opportunities, increased tax revenue for municipal, provincial, and federal governments, and community funding. A share of Project revenues will also support local community groups and underrepresented communities in the province.
Regarding the environment and climate change, the Project is expected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from New Brunswick’s current electricity production and produce enough power for up to 8,650 homes each year.