If you live in New Brunswick, you will want to keep an eye on the proposed Tantramar power plant. The 500 megawatt gas and diesel facility will move forward even if it fails to secure an Indigenous equity partner. N.B. Power confirmed this detail during a recent presentation to the Tantramar council.

According to a report from CBC News, N.B. Power executive Brad Coady explained that while First Nations have the option to participate, an Indigenous partnership is not a requirement for the regulatory process.

Regulatory Requirements and Fossil Fuels

Coady noted that N.B. Power does a lot of good work in the renewable space with First Nations led projects. However, he pointed out that the gas plant is a different project because it includes a fossil fuel or emissions component.

He clarified that Indigenous participation falls outside the regulatory processes governed by the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board and the provincial department of environment.

Financial Risks and Auditor General Concerns

The project faces scrutiny over its planning. In early June, the provincial auditor general released a report criticizing N.B. Power for a haphazard approach to the project.

The report highlighted a significant financial risk. The current deal with the builder, US based ProEnergy, allows the company to withdraw from the project and recover pre development costs if N.B. Power fails to finalize an Indigenous partnership by mid 2026.

Indigenous Rights and Growing Opposition

Initially, the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council signed a letter of intent with ProEnergy. The group later stepped back so the consultative body for eight of the nine Mi’kmaq First Nations could conduct a rights impact assessment.

The consultative body stated that consent for the project requires N.B. Power to meaningfully address their concerns and avoid or accommodate impacts on their rights. This assessment remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, local opposition is growing. Jason Augustine, district war chief for the Mi’kmaq Warriors Society, stated that many residents in Elsipogtog oppose the project.

Augustine noted that when ProEnergy visited Elsipogtog for meetings, the community clearly told them they did not want the plant.

The Energy and Utilities Board approved the deal with ProEnergy in May. A provincial environmental impact assessment is still underway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tantramar gas plant project?

It is a proposed 500 megawatt gas and diesel power plant located in rural Tantramar, New Brunswick, spearheaded by N.B. Power and US based ProEnergy.

Does the project require an Indigenous partner to proceed?

No. N.B. Power executives confirmed that an Indigenous equity partner is not a regulatory requirement for the project to move forward.

What happens if N.B. Power does not secure an Indigenous partner?

According to the auditor general, the contract allows ProEnergy to withdraw and recover pre development costs if a partnership is not finalized by mid 2026.

Why did the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council step back from the project?

The council stepped back to allow a comprehensive rights impact assessment to take place before making any final decisions.