March 14, 2024 – Representatives from Neqotkuk (a.k.a. Tobique First Nation), Saint John Energy, and Natural Forces came together for the inauguration of a large battery energy storage system, part of the Burchill Wind Project in Saint John, N.B.

Burchill is a $95-million Indigenous-led project, says Environment and Climate Change Canada, that received nearly $50 million in funding from Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREP) program to help deploy 10 wind turbine generators.

The Burchill Wind Project consists of 10 wind turbines capable of producing up to 42 MW of energy coupled, with a 5.781-MW/11.562-MWh utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS), explains Natural Forces—an independent power producer established in Nova Scotia in 2001.

The project is located about 15 kilometres southwest of Saint John, within the city limits near Lorneville, and the existing Coleson Cove Generating Station. It is owned by Burchill Wind LP—a partnership between Neqotkuk Maliseet Nation and Natural Forces Development.

Saint John Energy serves as both interconnection partner and the buyer of Burchill’s energy.

The battery project is the largest in New Brunswick, adds Environment and Climate Change Canada, able to deliver 5.8 MW to Saint John Energy’s grid for a two-hour period on a full charge.