N.B. Power’s decision to construct a gas-fired power plant on a 550-acre woodlot near Centre Village rather than an industrial park as initially planned has sparked controversy. The utility, in collaboration with ProEnergy, is currently developing a 1.5-kilometre road to access the chosen site.
Critics, including local conservation groups, argue that siting the gas plant in the ecologically sensitive Chignecto Isthmus is ill-advised. Melanie Jellett, the conservation manager at the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s New Brunswick chapter, emphasized the need for higher standards in selecting locations for such projects, advocating for industrial areas over environmentally sensitive regions.
N.B. Power’s “location analysis” report considered various sites, ultimately narrowing down the options to Scoudouc and Centre Village due to their strategic value and compatibility with the required infrastructure. Both locations were deemed suitable for accommodating a 500-megawatt capacity with minimal transmission investments, aligning with the region’s energy demands and interprovincial energy transfers.
The decision to opt for Centre Village over Scoudouc was influenced by regulatory considerations, including wetland concerns and the presence of pileated woodpecker nests at the latter site, which could lead to significant project delays. Despite objections from conservationists like Barry Rothfuss and concerns about environmental impacts, N.B. Power is pushing forward with its expedited timeline to address anticipated energy shortages by 2028.
Critics question the speed-driven decision-making process and call for a more thorough assessment of the project, which is estimated to exceed $1 billion in costs. With an ongoing provincial environmental impact assessment and unresolved queries from a technical review committee, the project’s environmental implications and rationale continue to be scrutinized.
Overall, the contentious choice of site for the gas plant has generated substantial debate among stakeholders, highlighting the need for comprehensive evaluation and transparent decision-making processes in major energy infrastructure projects.