N.B. Power wants to overhaul how you get your electricity. The utility released a new integrated resource plan on Monday. This roadmap outlines how the province will meet energy demands over the coming decades.

According to a report from CBC News, the updated strategy replaces a 2023 version that faced heavy criticism for being out of date. The new plan focuses on large scale battery storage, extending the life of the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, and expanding wind, solar, and gas turbine generation.

Pushing for Battery Storage

The plan calls for 500 megawatts of battery storage in New Brunswick by 2035. Batteries allow the utility to save energy and use it during peak times. N.B. Power issued requests for proposals for 50 megawatt battery storage projects in 2023 and 2025. The utility has yet to build a large scale project.

Brad Coady is the chief commercial officer for N.B. Power. He says the utility is in the final throes of doing the analysis on the latest call for proposals. He remains hopeful they can secure a battery solution in the short run.

The first 500 megawatts of battery storage development competes on cost with combustion turbine technology. However, Coady notes the current proposals require government subsidies to work.

“Based on the bids and offers that were submitted, they’re not great without government help,” Coady said. “So we’re working very closely with our federal government to say, ‘Can we make these cost effective solutions for New Brunswickers?'”

The Future of Point Lepreau

If you live in the Saint John area, the future of Point Lepreau directly impacts your local economy. The new plan extends the life of the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station beyond its estimated 2045 expiry date.

The 2026 plan takes a technology agnostic approach. It explores adding 750 megawatts of new nuclear capacity at the Point Lepreau site by 2039 or 2040. Coady says this includes large nuclear or small modular nuclear reactors.

Coady acknowledges that repairs to Lepreau drive increased debt for N.B. Power. He argues the larger driver to the debt is actually when Lepreau fails to produce the electricity the province depends on. When the plant goes down, the utility must turn to more expensive energy sources.

“The decision for a future nuclear plant in New Brunswick is also going to have to be a pretty strong public policy angle,” Coady said.

Balancing the Energy Grid

Beyond nuclear and batteries, N.B. Power plans to build out wind and solar generation. The utility will also expand gas turbine generation to meet peak demands.

“I often describe the power system much like an orchestra,” Coady said. “And we need all parts of that orchestra performing the tune or we’re not going to sound very good at the end of the day.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new N.B. Power energy plan?

The new integrated resource plan is a roadmap for how New Brunswick will meet its electricity needs over the next few decades. It focuses on battery storage, nuclear energy, wind, solar, and gas turbines.

Will the Point Lepreau nuclear plant close?

No. The new plan extends the life of the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station beyond its original 2045 expiry date. The utility is also exploring the addition of new nuclear capacity at the site.

Why does New Brunswick need battery storage?

Battery storage allows N.B. Power to save electricity generated during low demand periods and use it during peak times. This helps stabilize the grid and makes renewable energy sources like wind and solar more reliable.