Saint John Energy is engaging a global firm to help it achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

During its virtual AGM on Friday, the utility announced a collaboration with Deloitte as part of its Zero30 initiative.

Ryan Mitchell, president and CEO of Saint John Energy, said they will benefit from solutions being developed around the world.

“Not only were they looking to leverage their local expertise in Saint John and Atlantic Canada but across Canada,” Mitchell said in an interview.

“As well, they had brought in members of their team from Europe who had done some very interesting work in Belgium, as an example, in terms of grid modelling.

“They had also brought in some members of their Japan who had done some work there as it relates to renewable energy and clean supply.”

First announced in May 2023, the Zero30 initiative has three pillars: developing a clean energy supply, innovating to help its customers, and planning for future energy demand.

About 95 per cent of the electricity used by Saint John Energy already comes from clean and non-emitting sources, including its new Burchill wind energy project.

Mitchell said while closing the five per cent gap will be “challenging but attainable,” the big challenge is accounting for anticipated future energy demand.

According to the utility, some forecasts suggest the demand for electricity will double by 2050 as society moves away from fossil fuels.

“We know and are looking at the prospect of adding some additional renewable energy to our system. We are also looking at and are very interested in carbon offset credits,” said Mitchell.

Gavin McTavish, the Canadian leader of Deloitte’s strategy practice, said their offices have been involved in solving energy challenges around the world and will be
bringing that insight and expertise to Zero30.

“We are proud to be working with the team at Saint John Energy in their Zero30 initiative and excited for what’s next,” said McTavish

Mitchell said he expects the work will be completed in about a year from now.