A proposed data center in west Saint John is not expected to heavily impact the city’s industrial water supply at Spruce Lake, as per an environmental impact assessment document. However, the data center, equipped with a natural gas power-generation plant, will require a substantial amount of electricity at 390 megawatts and is estimated to be one of the top greenhouse gas emitters in the province.
The data center, a project by Alberta-based Beacon New Brunswick and Texas-based VoltaGrid, plans to implement a water-efficient cooling system to reduce overall water consumption. The companies anticipate a long-term commercial agreement lasting 15 to 20 years without specifying the customer.
Concerns have been raised about the water consumption of data centers, but the initial water intake for this project is projected to be just 3.5 million liters, significantly less than what other industrial users in the area utilize. The closed-loop cooling system has been praised by Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon for its minimal water usage, likening it to a household heating system.
At a public meeting, VoltaGrid CEO Nathan Ough assured residents that the water requirements would be minimal, and highlighted the natural gas plant’s eco-friendly design. Despite this, the data center’s gas plant is expected to be among the top industrial greenhouse gas emitters in New Brunswick, ranking third after the Irving Oil Refinery and N.B. Power’s coal-burning station in Belledune.
Green Party Leader David Coon emphasized the importance of powering data centers with renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet climate targets. The data center project is set to require 390 megawatts of power generation, with a natural gas facility supplying 190 MW and N.B. Power expected to provide the remaining 200 MW.
The construction of the data center, to be situated on a 120-hectare parcel in the Lorneville Industrial Park, has faced opposition from some residents due to concerns about its environmental impact on wetlands and old-growth forests. Despite the push for new business development in Saint John, Mayor Reardon stresses the need to balance growth with environmental preservation.
The companies aim to start construction this year pending approvals, with operations slated to commence in 2028 and a projected minimum operating life of 25 to 30 years. The environmental impact assessment process will involve technical reviews and further public consultations.