J.D. Irving gets into wind farm business with $550M project in western N.B.
Project aims to sell energy to N.B. Power, but no agreement yet
J.D. Irving Ltd. is taking a leap into the green energy business with plans for a 58-turbine wind farm.
The Brighton Mountain wind farm, near the hamlet of Juniper in Carleton County, will break ground in 2025, pending regulatory approval, the company has announced.
"The power will be sold to N.B. Power which will contribute to decarbonizing the province," says a website created to promote the project.
But there are still some loose ends, as the project needs regulatory approvals and an agreement with N.B. Power to purchase power.
N.B. Power spokesperson D'Arcy Walsh said in an email that N.B. Power does not currently have any power-purchasing agreements with J.D. Irving for the project, "and therefore it would be too early to comment on any aspects of the project at this time."
J.D. Irving estimates the wind farm will reduce New Brunswick's reliance on fossil fuels by about nine per cent. (Submitted by J.D. Irving)
In 2023, the utility invited proposals for green energy projects in the province with an expectation to be live by 2027, the same timeline Brighton Mountain now gives.
With 58 turbines and a capacity for 350 megawatts, it would decrease the New Brunswick energy grid's reliance on fossil fuels by roughly nine per cent, according to the project website.
But the launch has also been somewhat lowkey. There has been no news release from the province, which normally highlights major business investments and projects of all kinds.
Information session planned
The area for the turbines falls into the municipalities of both Hartland and Carleton North, but neither mayor knew enough about the project to grant an interview.
When reached by phone, Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant said this was the first she was hearing of the project. Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey said he's waiting for an information session later this month where he expects to learn more.
Government spokesperson Nick Brown said Natural Resources and Energy Development Minister Mike Holland was unavailable for an interview Thursday but provided an email statement from him.
"As outlined in our Clean Energy Strategy, we intend to significantly grow our wind power generation over the next 12 years," Holland said in the statement, adding the province established goals for N.B. Power to acquire new cost-effective wind power deals.
Holland went on to say "there is a process in place for developing wind farms," and Brighton Mountain still needs to complete a environmental impact assessment and reach a power-purchasing agreement with N.B. Power.
A map showing where each of the 58 turbines will be spaced out on the project site, marked by numbers. (Submitted by J.D. Irving)
The Brighton Mountain website touts the project as helping reach an agreement between the federal government, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in October 2023 to phase out coal-fired generation in the electricity sector by 2030, net-zero electricity, or no greenhouse gas emissions, by 2035 and a net-zero economy by 2050.
"Securing clean energy sources to support traditional industries within N.B., such as pulp and paper, will help to maintain the longevity and viability of current JDI operations throughout the province," the environmental impact assessment says.
The project is described as the company's "first wind development project as a proponent," but the assessment says J.D. Irving affiliate companies have experience building and maintaining turbines.
Green leader supports project
Green Party Leader David Coon said the JDI project would be a "big deal" for the province, given wind farm's large size and the fact it's owned by a New Brunswick-based company.
The province only has one wind farm of similar size, the Kent Hills operation near Moncton.
"N.B. Power needs to have a considerable amount of renewable energy come onto the grid this decade in order to meet their requirements with the phase-out of the coal plant in Belledune," Coon said.
Green Leader David Coon calls the project a big deal for New Brunswick but says an agreement with N.B. Power is crucial. (Sam Farley/CBC)
"So this fits right into their plan."
Coon said he is worried there is no agreement with N.B. Power yet.
"My only concern is that we hear from N.B. Power that there is a power-purchase agreement, they've agreed on a price, so that this will go forward without a hitch."
Project not intended for federal carbon credit
JDI spokesperson Anne McInerney said no one was available for an interview because the project is in the early application phase, but she offered to answer questions over email.
Asked if JDI would use the project to apply for the federal greenhouse gas offset credit system, designed to motivate corporations to invest in green energy, McInerney said in an email "that's not the intention."
She said the company's "focus is on our application and approval process," when asked if the project represented a new direction for J.D. Irving.
200 jobs, only 20 permanent
The website says more than 200 jobs will be created during construction, but the 475-page assessment reveals the number of full-time jobs, once the project is operating, will be 20.
The first phase of construction will be complete by 2027, at a cost of about $550 million, the website says. A frequently asked questions section addresses concerns residents may raise, saying that the project will not decrease property values, be loud when operating, or disrupt wildlife.
The turbines are just over 200 metres tall and have an estimated service life of 25 years. After that timeline is reached, the assessment says, the structures could either be taken down or J.D. Irving can consult with government to "extend the life of the project."
A map showing the location of Brighton Mountain in western New Brunswick. (Submitted by J.D. Irving)
The project will also see construction of two substations and a terminal station to tie into the existing energy grid, but an existing network of company logging roads in the area already provides access, the website says.
Nineteen environmental studies were done for the project in 2023 and another 16 are planned this year. These studies look at species in the area, wetlands and vegetation.
The location is very rural, and there is only one full-time residence, just under a kilometre from a planned turbine. Some remote cabins and shacks are also nearby, the report says.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Round One
"As outlined in our Clean Energy Strategy, we intend to significantly grow our wind power generation over the next 12 years," Holland said in the statement, adding the province established goals for N.B. Power to acquire new cost-effective wind power deals.
Holland went on to say "there is a process in place for developing wind farms," and Brighton Mountain still needs to complete a environmental impact assessment and reach a power-purchasing agreement with N.B. Power."
Yea Right
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/massive-wind-farm-pitched-for-labrador-1.620146
Now fast forward to today
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/world-energy-gh2-wind-farm-environmental-impact-1.6944733"extend the life of the project." = Rust In Place
Round Two
I trust that all the lawyers who intervene in the EUB hearings know why I shook my head as I read that
"As outlined in our Clean Energy Strategy, we intend to significantly grow our wind power generation over the next 12 years," Holland said in the statement, adding the province established goals for N.B. Power to acquire new cost-effective wind power deals.
Holland went on to say "there is a process in place for developing wind farms," and Brighton Mountain still needs to complete a environmental impact assessment and reach a power-purchasing agreement with N.B. Power."
Yea Right
Costs to the public...
Works for one group!
Search “Sinopec forecasts China's coal consumption to peak around 2025”
Reply to Bill Gardiner
Wind is the second least expensive way to generate electricity next to solar...
NB Power has been banned from owning such facilities and is only allowed to purchase such generation from private companies...
Weird...
Not really Ask yourself a simple question
Cui Bono?
Weird...
Not really Ask yourself a simple question
Cui Bono?
"According to the NB Power 2023 Integrated Resource Plan, all current and future wind farms will be owned by private companies. That means the benefits from generating cheap wind power will accrue to private shareholders rather than the public. NB Power should own the wind turbines so the savings can be used to reduce the cost of our electricity."
all major projects do require environmental analysis.
Irving knows best the places where the natural environment has already been destroyed; they destroyed it.
Would those subsidies exceed those given to the O&G industries?
Oh, and Doug Ford estimates that with primary and secondary jobs, there'll be about 30,000 total jobs created.
Comment by Walter Vrbetic.
Interesting....
Wind is the second least expensive way to generate electricity next to solar...
NB Power has been banned from owning such facilities and is only allowed to purchase such generation from private companies...
Weird...
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
Conservative government?
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Coop Media NB.
"...According to the NB Power 2023 Integrated Resource Plan, all current and future wind farms will be owned by private companies. That means the benefits from generating cheap wind power will accrue to private shareholders rather than the public. "
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Yep... could be THE reason.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
It's such a shame. Nobody can stop the transition, but they can delay it and that will just result in even warmer temperatures that our descendants will have to live with for centuries.
Reply by B Johnny Kalibanos.
Cheap? It needs back up. Not cheap at all.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
I think JdI may also see this as a greenwashing opportunity.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
JdI?
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Yep... lots of storage options for backup.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
JD Irving....
Reply by B Johnny Kalibanos.
Storage is not large enough and unrealistic.
Reply by B Johnny Kalibanos.
Just a scripted answer.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Yours? I agree.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
I should have figured that out myself lol. The Irving family is New Brunswick in some ways, and their family reputation is at stake. It's not a publicly traded company owned by millions of investors who are only interested in returns. They are so big in New Brunswick history that I think that would be a consideration too.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
Storage is advancing all the time and getting cheaper and better There was a grid scale 750 MW/3,000 MWh system just installed in California.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Australia has and continues to install them on an ongoing basis.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
Yes, Tesla is doing a lot of work in Australia with batteries. They have a lot of renewable resources.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
And prices are still dropping.
Search “Another 40% drop in the cost of battery storage through 2030 is set to speed the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy”
Reply by Dennis Woodman.
With or without government money?
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
Probably both. Governments will be investing in green energy for a while yet.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Just the one for sure... had a bet it'd be on time and was.
OSLD, NSW, Vic, SA, WA states have all recently announced new installation, none Tesla that I know of...
One will be a Redux Flow... invented in AU a couple of decades ago and longer lasting than other electro-chemical types.
Reply by B Johnny Kalibanos.
Those are tiny. How many would you need?
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Yep, I'm familliar with price trajectory of solar, wind and storage but thanks.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Kewl!
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
For what?
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Ask the energizer bunny...
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
Solar storms can lead to fluctuations and surges in power voltage. Battery storage systems often rely on stable power input for charging. Sudden spikes or drops in voltage can disrupt the charging process, potentially damaging the battery cells or reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
Rupert Murdoch owns most the press in Australia and they had a fossil fuels friendly conservative government for years and years. The labor government has got a lot done in just a few years.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
I know, but it was an opportunity to show others too. :)
Reply by Gerry Roberts.
Nobody is trying to stop this fictitional transition
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
In the event of a severe solar storm, battery storage systems could face significant challenges, including vulnerabilities in their charging mechanisms due to voltage fluctuations, disruptions to their electronic control systems from electromagnetic interference, and indirect impacts from broader electric grid failures.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
Cool.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Kewl... no, kewler yet!
I plan to buy fridge magnets and surround my bed with them for protection.
Thanks for the heads up!
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
I have a metal pole I'm installing near by to rid myself of static, instruction say if you rub it counterclockwise it'll also demagnitize you.
;-))
Reply by Gerry Roberts.
There's no need to as there is no evidence that it's happening
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
The global economic impact of a Carrington-scale solar event could easily exceed $10 trillion.
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
Based on observations and studies, while it's challenging to pinpoint exactly when the next Carrington-like event will occur, the evidence suggests a non-negligible chance of a severe geomagnetic storm happening in the next few decades.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Better start saving up... save folding money and not coins just in case.
Reply by ken selluk.
Banned from owning such facilities?
Wonder why..look how good a government owned bitumen pipeline turned out.
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
The Carrington Event of 1859 is often considered a once-in-a-century phenomenon. However, other significant events, like the 1921 Railroad Storm and the reports of intense auroras in the 17th and 18th centuries from Chinese records, suggest that severe geomagnetic storms might occur more frequently than once every 100 years.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Kewl... you're full of...
Facts!
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
Besides the 1859 event, the 1921 storm also showed similar characteristics. If we also consider lesser but still severe events, such as those in 1989 (Quebec blackout) and 2003 (Halloween storms), it appears that roughly once every 40 to 60 years, a severe solar storm could occur that disrupts modern infrastructure significantly.
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
The solar activity follows an approximately 11-year cycle, with varying intensity. The current cycle, Solar Cycle 25, began in 2019 and is expected to peak around 2025. The intensity of this cycle, compared to past cycles, will help refine estimates for potential severe solar storms.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
N.i.c.e...
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
The probability of such an event occurring in this solar cycle is estimated at around 25%, with the likelihood increasing to 50% in the next solar cycle.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
More kewl stuff...
And still no one cares!
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
The U.S. Congress cares.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Kewl... get to the committee.
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in 2015
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Kewl
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Still don't care...
But kewl
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
And it has the...sound. :)
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
The UK government cares.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Kewl... any wager on how long Rishi will remain PM... nationally held municipal elwction were pretty bad.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
And all AU states but Taz are labour led.
I'm a political junkie, been following AU politics for at least two federal election cycles...
Morrison, before becoming PM, famously brought a lump of coal into parliament... and went on a verbal bender...
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
The UK government has integrated space weather and solar storms risk into its national risk register and is investing significantly through programs like the Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk (SWIMMR).
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Not long ago most most deniers switched to 'we need to adapt' and 'GW will benefit Canada'....
Toyota tried to stall BEV sales by claiming it would have a solid state battery in two yrs... since it only currently has one pure EV.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
Yes, it's been interesting to see the evolution of the arguments and strategies over the years.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
The best was Trump getting the Australian PM to agree with the US and blame China for covid. There was nothing in it for Australia, they were just trying to please Trump. China turned around and put massive tariffs on Chinese wine and, I think, coal. In any case, the wine tariffs just got removed the other day so all this time wine exports were pretty much cut off to China.
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
Australian wine....
Reply by Gerry Ford.
Just exactly where do you believe Covid came from Bill?
Reply by David Amos.
Check out the US Senate Banking Committee Hearing on November 18th and 20th 2003 Held about 6 months after I dealt with the Department of Homeland Security
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
It wasn't about where covid came from, it was about who was to blame.
Reply by Lynette Browne.
I think if I was a country cut-off from wine I would have a massive problem.
Reply by Gerry Ford.
So you say Bill, and just exactly who would that be?
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Morrison wasn't the brightest bulb in the string...
Reply by Bill Gardiner.
We don’t know, so accusing anyone is off base.
Comment by Gary Haggquist.
I am concerned about the combined effects of climate change and the weakening of Earth's magnetic field. Our civilization may now be facing a double threat.
Reply by Dennis Woodman.
Most Canadians worry about cost of living, inflation, affordable housing, and healthcare, but you do you.
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
What worries me is that the weakening magnetic field, combined with climate change, increases health risks in several ways. It raises the likelihood of radiation-induced issues, intensifies extreme weather events that harm agriculture and air quality, and makes Earth more vulnerable to solar activity. This disruption in weather patterns can lead to food shortages and escalate health risks.
Reply by Lynette Browne.
Yes, you have mentioned that before.
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
Historical geomagnetic events, such as the Laschamp Event (42,000 years ago) and others, demonstrate how such weakening can severely impact ecosystems, weather patterns, and health, highlighting the compounded burden these combined threats impose on life forms today. We may due for another geomagnetic event.
Reply by Dennis Woodman.
You must worry a lot.
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
The Laschamp event, around 42,000 years ago, saw Earth's magnetic field strength drop to about 5% of its present value, leading to several significant effects on life forms. Increased cosmic rays and solar radiation resulted in higher mutation rates and DNA damage, potentially causing health issues such as cancer. Disruptions in the magnetic field impacted animal navigation and migration, affecting reproductive and survival rates. Environmental changes, including altered plant growth and reductions in phytoplankton populations, along with shifts in weather patterns and climates, further influenced various ecosystems. Over time, these changes could have affected the evolutionary paths of species, presenting both challenges and adaptive opportunities.
Reply by Cream of The crop.
Well as the song goes , que sera sera
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
These events, occurring at intervals ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 years apart, hint at a potential pattern or cycle in the timing of geomagnetic reversals and excursions. We may be due for a significant geomagnetic excursion or reversal.
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
I'm going to stock up on fridge magnets and lay them out on the floor around my bed for protection.
Reply by Cream of The crop.
I really wouldn’t lose sleep over it
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
People lose sleep over climate change.
Reply by Cream of The crop.
Why
Reply by Dennis Woodman.
I don’t care.
Reply by Dennis Woodman.
Yes, you Lynne and Bill. Most don’t lose sleep over it.
Reply by Dennis Woodman.
I always use protection…
Reply by Walter Vrbetic.
Can't recall the last time I didn't...
Reply by Gary Haggquist.
You should care about Carrington-like events. And Miyake events.
Reply by Dennis Woodman.
Care or worry ?
Comment by Dan Lee.
for the love of GOD dont let Higgs sign this like they did with crown land with Alward........we will pay dearly
I trust that all the lawyers who intervene in the EUB hearings know why I shook my head as I read that