A massive new solar farm proposed for rural New Brunswick promises to generate enough electricity to power 12,500 homes. But before the panels go up, the developers need to find a buyer for all that power. Executives from BNRG Renewables recently presented their plans for a 150 megawatt solar farm in the farming community of Cookville, located just north of Sackville. As reported by CBC News, the project is a partnership between BNRG and the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council.

The Search for a Buyer

Selling the electricity remains the primary hurdle. Project manager Kenny Wheeler notes that returns must meet a specific threshold to support their involvement. The company is currently negotiating contracts to secure a buyer.

NB Power stands out as a potential customer. The utility recently put out a call for 400 megawatts of renewable energy projects. They already awarded a 200 megawatt deal to a J.D. Irving subsidiary and are considering 14 other proposals, including Cookville Solar. Brad Coady, NB Power chief commercial officer, says the utility hopes to make the project happen. However, he emphasizes that NB Power requires a cost effective business case approved by the Energy and Utilities Board.

Alternatively, Cookville Solar plans to sell the electricity to neighboring jurisdictions using the region open access transmission tariff system.

Project Scope and Economic Impact

The proposed solar farm covers a 400 hectare site bordering an NB Power high voltage line. Building the local infrastructure requires a $300 million investment. This construction phase creates more than 250 jobs for the region. Once operational, the farm generates enough energy to power 12,500 homes.

You will not see battery storage at this facility. Wheeler explains that current wholesale electricity market conditions and high battery costs eliminate the economic case for incorporating storage into the project.

Environmental Assessment and Next Steps

Developers started working on the Cookville Solar project in 2023. Right now, the company is navigating the provincial environmental impact assessment process. This involves answering nearly 100 questions and designing the site around protected wetlands to maintain financial viability.

The developers also hold ongoing meetings with Kopit Lodge and Mi’gmawe’l T’plutaqann Inc., the rights defending groups representing New Brunswick Mi’kmaq First Nations.

If everything goes according to plan, construction begins at the end of 2027, with operations starting in the spring of 2029.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the proposed solar farm located?
The 150 megawatt solar farm is proposed for a 400 hectare site in Cookville, a farming community about 15 kilometers north of Sackville, New Brunswick.

Who is developing the Cookville Solar project?
The project is a partnership between BNRG Renewables and the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council.

Will the solar farm include battery storage?
No. Developers state that the high cost of batteries and current market conditions make storage economically unviable for this project.

When will the solar farm be built?
Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2027, with the facility expected to start operating in the spring of 2029.