First Nations Proposals Wanted for New Renewable Energy Project
FREDERICTON– NB Power is inviting First Nations to take part in a new renewable energy program.
The new program aims to integrate small-scale renewable energy projects onto the provincial power grid.
“These small scale renewable projects will allow for First Nations to develop, implement and manage their own energy projects in their communities while helping NB Power meet its energy demand,” said Gaëtan Thomas, CEO and president of NB Power. “This collaboration is an important one as we all have a role to play in the future of our energy market.”
First Nations communities are asked to submit plans to NB Power under the Community Renewable Energy – First Nations Opportunity, which is the first phase of the government’s Locally-Owned Renewable Energy Small Scale (LORESS) Program.
The program allows for the production of 40 megawatts of electricity from renewable resources like hydro, biomass, wind and solar energy. A maximum of 20 megawatts can be owned by one or more First Nations businesses or 40 megawatts can be owned by two or more First Nations businesses if they are located on the same site. The generation will be added to the transmission system at 69 KV or above.
“We are proud to have taken an important step in creating the conditions for sustainable economic development in New Brunswick and its First Nations communities through this new and innovative renewable energy program,” said Energy and Mines Minister Donald Arseneault. “Through a diversified approach to growing the energy sector, we are laying a solid foundation to meet our goals of job creation and seeing 40 per cent of energy generated in the province come from renewables by 2020.”
NB Power and the government will hold two information sessions with the leadership from First Nations communities to give them an opportunity to ask questions about the program and the process for submitting proposals.
Deadline for proposals is April 29 at 3 p.m.