You might soon see a massive new energy project taking shape in northern New Brunswick. The Moose Meadows wind project aims to build up to 35 wind turbines on Crown land near Bois Joli. This development generates enough electricity to power 40,000 homes. Proponents recently shared their plans at a public information session in Ugpi’ganjig First Nation, as reported by CBC News.
The Partnership and the Pitch
The project brings together Renewable Energy Systems and the Northern Energy Alliance. This alliance includes regional service commissions from Restigouche, the Acadian Peninsula, and Chaleur, alongside Ugpi’ganjig and Pabineau First Nations. Construction costs sit between $550 million and $600 million.
Private sector funding covers the bill, but developers need a power purchase agreement from NB Power to secure the money. They expect an answer this fall. The project promises local jobs and profit sharing for partner municipalities and First Nations.
Betty Anne Fortin is the CEO of the Restigouche Regional Service Commission. She says the project helps the region economically and provides a new source of funding for communities.
“We certainly want to turn greener in the region and help the region economically,” Fortin said.
Economic Boost vs Environmental Concerns
While many welcome the economic benefits, some residents worry about the environmental impact. Kyle Caplin attended the open house and expressed concern about machinery and chemicals pushing animals away.
“With all these machineries going back there and hauling the turbines back, and all the gas, and all the chemicals,” Caplin said. “It’s got to put us also in a bad state because we’re gonna be less animals for us to hunt because it’s going to push the animals away.”
Ugpi’ganjig First Nation councillor Karen Narvie echoed these thoughts. She wants to see studies on how the turbines affect local wildlife and hunting.
Next Steps for Moose Meadows
The project still needs to pass environmental hurdles. Jennifer MacNeil speaks for the Department of Environment and Local Government. She confirms the Moose Meadows project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment because it exceeds three megawatts. Developers must engage with First Nations and the public during this process.
If you live in the area, you will want to follow the environmental review process closely. Developers plan to have the wind farm fully operational by December 2029.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Moose Meadows wind project?
It is a proposed 200 megawatt wind farm in northern New Brunswick featuring between 22 and 35 turbines.
Who is funding the wind farm?
Private sector funding covers the $550 million to $600 million cost, pending a power purchase agreement from NB Power.
When will the wind farm open?
Developers plan to have the project operational by December 2029.
So , folks have environmental concerns about a mega green project . What happens if these concerns are found to be true by an environmental review . Does that stop it ,particularly if there is no “social licence” ? The reality is every single project has risks and benefits . Mitigate (but one will never eliminate) the risk and if the benefit outweighs the risk then likely we should proceed . But the worst outcome in today’s economy and environmen t is to paralyze ourselves and do nothing. Otherwise we may as well regress to the 17th century.