Leaked email reveals second proposed data centre project in Saint John
A second data centre project could be headed to Saint John, according to a leaked email that shows a Connecticut-based infrastructure company is exploring plans for an expandable campus in one of the city’s industrial park.
Infrastructure development company Cross River Infrastructure Partner is behind the development.
The email was sent in late April by Cross River managing director Rishi Jain to Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB) Minister Luke Randall.
In the email, Jain said the project would start with a request for 50 megawatts of network-firm power service under the Large Industrial Tariff, with future expansion opportunities “that could incorporate grid responsive capacity and further economic development over time.”
“Our proposal is designed to align with planned systems upgrades in the Saint John region and to provide a practical, phased pathway for new industrial growth, electricity revenues, employment creation, and long-term tax benefits for the province,” he wrote.
Jain said the proposal would be located in Saint John Industrial Park, but did not specify which of the city’s three industrial parks was being considered for the development.
Member of activist group Save Lorneville Chris Watson shared the email on social media, which he said he obtained from a right of information request he sent to ONB.
The province already has a 390-megawatt data centre proposed in Saint John, at the Spruce Lake Park Industrial.
The proponents are Texas-based VoltaGrid and Calgary-based Beacon AI. The project is still under regulatory review, but since its announcement, it has received significant public pushback over concerns about its projected energy consumption and potential environmental and community impacts.
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In an email statement to Acadia Broadcasting, Randall said the province is aware of the proposal, but as with any potential investment, “discussions with a company do not necessarily mean that a project has been approved or that a decision has been made to proceed.”
Randall explained that the government speaks with companies regularly about potential investment and development opportunities in New Brunswick, and said these conversations are important to understand the interest that exists in the province and the opportunities that may arise.
“Any proposed development would be subject to the appropriate provincial processes and applicable requirements,” he added. “Government will continue to engage with proponents as appropriate while assessing potential opportunities for investment and economic development in New Brunswick.
Acadia Broadcasting asked ONB for an update on the status of discussions between the province and the proponent regarding the proposed development, but the organization did not provide a response.
In an email statement, the City of Saint John confirmed it was aware of the project and said it received preliminary inquiries and correspondence from Cross River, but was not aware of any further updates regarding the proposal at this time.
Instead, the city deferred comment to ONB.
If Cross River moves forward with the proposal, this would not be its first project in New Brunswick.
In 2022, the infrastructure development company reached an agreement with the Belledune Port Authority to develop a 200-megawatt green hydrogen production facility in the port.
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According to a press release on Cross River’s website, the development would support clean energy transition goals at the provincial, federal, and global levels, while helping the port diversify its business and attract new industries.
Beyond its initial announcement, no updates have been given about the project, but the release said that, pending feasibility studies and permits, the plant could start operating as early as 2027.
Acadia Broadcasting sent several emails to Cross River, but the company has not responded to requests for comments.