New Brunswick’s energy landscape is evolving rapidly, with a clear pivot toward flexibility, reliability, and reduced emissions through the adoption of advanced clean energy solutions. Central to this transition is the focus on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in New Brunswick.
In late 2025, NB Power — the Crown utility serving New Brunswick — issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) seeking proposals for a large-scale BESS project. The REOI calls for a system capable of delivering 50 megawatts (MW) of storage over approximately four hours, with the potential to expand to 100 MW as needs grow. This marks a significant step toward modernizing the electricity system and supporting increased integration of intermittent renewable energy such as wind and solar.
The proposed BESS project is designed to provide short-duration energy flexibility, a capability that helps grid operators manage fluctuations in supply and demand. As renewable generation increases — driven by ambitious targets to double installed renewable capacity in the province by 2028 — storage becomes vital in smoothing variability and improving overall grid reliability.
Under the terms of the REOI, the winning bidder will enter a 15-year contract to build and operate New Brunswick’s first major BESS facility. The selection criteria will prioritize not only cost-effectiveness and ease of interconnection, but also opportunities for First Nations ownership and participation in the project.
Increased energy storage capacity in New Brunswick would directly support future wind and solar projects by providing a means to capture excess generation when conditions are favourable and release it when needed most. This capability becomes especially important as the province electrifies more sectors — particularly transportation — and shifts toward a more decentralized and resilient grid.
Beyond provincial borders, Canada as a whole is moving toward broader adoption of battery storage and renewable integration as key pillars of its clean energy strategy. Federal programs and funding initiatives are accelerating storage deployment across the country, while utilities and developers work to align long-term infrastructure investments with decarbonization goals.
For New Brunswick, the focus on BESS in New Brunswick represents both a practical response to grid demands and a strategic investment in the province’s clean energy future. By pairing storage with renewable generation, the province is building a foundation that enhances reliability, supports economic development, and reduces reliance on emissions-intensive power sources.
If you’re interested in learning how BESS and solar solutions can benefit your home, business, or project in New Brunswick, contact Polaron to explore tailored solar and battery energy storage options.
