In a dynamic business landscape where sustainability and innovation are paramount, Saint John, New Brunswick, continues to make significant strides. As we navigate the latter part of 2025, with evolving interest rates and a keen focus on environmental responsibility, local businesses are increasingly looking towards green initiatives. Amidst this backdrop, Saint John Energy has garnered national recognition, placing our city at the forefront of Canada’s clean energy transition.

Saint John Energy’s Zero30 Plan: A National Leader

Saint John Energy’s groundbreaking Zero30 initiative has been honored with a prestigious 2026 Clean50 Top Project Award, marking it as one of Canada’s most innovative sustainability projects. This accolade, announced at a ceremony in Toronto last week, highlights the utility’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 while ensuring electricity remains both affordable and reliable for its customers.

The Zero30: Saint John Energy Action Plan, launched in 2023, serves as a comprehensive blueprint. It outlines the necessary steps for the municipally owned utility to reach carbon neutrality in its operations and to assist its customers in doing the same. This ambitious plan is designed to blend local renewable generation, advanced battery storage, and smart grid innovation to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Driving Decarbonization Through Key Pillars

The success of Zero30 is built upon three fundamental pillars:

• Achieving an Even Cleaner Energy Supply: Focusing on increasing the proportion of renewable energy sources in its portfolio.
• Planning for Greater Future Demand: Strategically preparing for the anticipated rise in electricity consumption as the community transitions to cleaner energy solutions.
• Innovating for Customers: Developing and implementing new technologies and services that empower customers to reduce their carbon footprint.

These pillars are supported by existing clean energy projects such as utility-scale energy storage, the Burchill Wind Project, and the forthcoming Menahqesk Kisuh Energy Hub, New Brunswick’s largest solar installation, slated for 2027.

Leadership’s Vision for a Sustainable Future

Ryan Mitchell, President and CEO of Saint John Energy, expressed immense pride in the recognition, stating, “This award reflects the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to being a national leader in the transition to net zero. Zero30 isn’t just a plan on paper – it’s a dynamic, actionable roadmap that positions Saint John at the forefront of clean community energy.”

Michelle Siscoe, Director of Digital Transformation, further emphasized the initiative’s broader impact: “Zero30 represents a new standard for how smaller Canadian utilities can approach decarbonization. The recognition from Clean50 validates our innovative approach and, more importantly, provides a model that other utilities across Canada can follow on their own net-zero journeys.”

This is not the first time Saint John Energy’s leadership has been acknowledged by Clean50; Ryan Mitchell was previously named one of Canada’s Clean50 leaders in 2021 for his work on smart grid development and renewable energy initiatives.

The comprehensive roadmap, developed in collaboration with experts, is expected to be fully released later this year. For more details on this significant achievement, you can read the full announcement on the Saint John Energy website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Zero30 initiative?

The Zero30 initiative is Saint John Energy’s comprehensive action plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2030, while maintaining affordable and reliable electricity for its customers.

What award did Zero30 receive?

The Zero30 initiative received a 2026 Clean50 Top Project Award, recognizing it as one of Canada’s most innovative sustainability projects.

What are the core pillars of Zero30?

The three core pillars of Zero30 are achieving a cleaner energy supply, planning for greater future demand, and innovating for customers.

When is New Brunswick’s largest solar installation expected to be online?

The Menahqesk Kisuh Energy Hub, New Brunswick’s largest solar installation, is expected to come online in 2027.

Where can I find more information about Zero30?

You can find more information about the Zero30 initiative on the Saint John Energy website.