Menahqwesk Kisuhs Energy Hub
a name that blends the original Wolastoqey word for Saint John (Menahqwesk) with the word for sun (Kisuhs)
About the developer
UK Tobique Community Solar Hub Inc. is a joint venture between Tobique First Nation and Universal Kraft to develop utility-scale solar. Universal Kraft brings global experience, with a specialty in developing solar projects in cold climates.
Universal Kraft is a global renewable energy developer specialized in solar, wind, small-scale hydro, waste-to-energy and energy storage solutions. Universal Kraft’s mission is to promote sustainable business with a direct and positive impact on society.
Tobique First Nation is a leading partner in this solar energy initiative. This project will create economic development opportunities for the community.
Saint John Energy entered into a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with UK Tobique Community Solar Hub Inc. The project opportunity was awarded through a competitive tender process, and this initiative will supply power to light industrial, commercial, and residential customers
About the project
Menahqwesk Kisuhs Energy Hub – a name that blends the original Wolastoqey word for Saint John (Menahqwesk) with the word for sun (Kisuhs), (the Project) is being developed by UK Tobique Community Solar Hub Inc. (the Proponent). The Project began development in second half of 2024 and includes approximately 24ha of land located on Old Black River road, Saint John.
The Project is located on Crown land, within the unceded territories of the Wolastoqey, Mi’gmaq, and Peskotomuhkati nations and benefits from a strong solar resource, enabling it to generate clean energy over its 30-year lifetime. It will consist of 9.45 megawatts AC (MWac) of solar capacity. Based on the preliminary design, the Project includes approximately 18,954 solar photovoltaic modules installed on a single-axis tracking system, 27 string inverters, an electrical collection system, internal access roads, and the construction of a switching station.
Key figures
1,200
Powered Homes
Ground solar
System Type
+40
Jobs
Q2 2026
Ready to build
Project benefits
UK Tobique Community Solar Hub Inc is committed to making a positive social impact for the communities in which we work. We strive to be a good neighbour, and work closely with the community to identify areas of opportunity and concern. Our community engagement will continue throughout the Project phases, including construction and operation.
The Project will have many community benefits, including the following:
Local Employment: The Project will create 36 jobs during the construction, and during operations, the Project will provide 6 full-time jobs over the 30-year life of the project.
Local Economic Boost: Local businesses will experience increased activity due to the spin-off opportunities created by the Project during development, construction, and operations.
Property Taxes:The Project will pay annual property taxes to the Municipality, resulting in financial benefits to the community
Clean Energy Generation: The Project will generate emissions-free electricity for approximately 1,200 homes.
Project Components
Solar Panel Modules
- Bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are double-sided and transform sunlight into electrical energy on both its front and back sides.
- Single-axis tracker systems follow the path of the sun to maximize electricity production.
Inverter stations and step-up transformers - Inverters are electrical devices that convert direct current (DC) produced by the PV panels to alternating current (AC) used on the grid.
- Transformers are electrical equipment that increase or decrease the voltage within the solar PV facility.
The Project is located on
Old Black River Road, Saint John.
FAQS
What is the technology used to harness energy from the sun?
The sun’s rays are collected through solar panels. The most common panels are made with aluminum frames containing small blue or black squares. These squares are the silicon solar cells that are linked together to form a circuit. The energy generated by the panels is in the form of direct current (DC). However, DC cannot be used to power homes directly. Therefore, the generated power is directed to a power inverter to convert the DC into alternating current (AC). This AC voltage is then transmitted to the substation and the electricity grid, ultimately providing power to homes or businesses.
Is it possible to recycle solar panels?
Solar panels can be redeployed and reused without ending up in landfills. In New Brunswick, companies like Solar X collect panels for free and assess their performance. Even those not working optimally can be repurposed for lower demand uses, such as off grid cabins or ice fishing huts. If reuse is not possible, panels can be recycled. According to the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, up to 90% of the mass of a solar panel – including metals and glass – can be recovered. New Brunswick is home to Canada’s first R2v3 certified solar recycling facility, supporting safe and responsible processing. Companies like Sunset Renewables and SolarCycle are also helping build a secondary market and support a circular economy.
Are Solar panels resilient to strong weather conditions?
Yes, solar panels are built to withstand hail to an extent. Quality solar panels are equipped with a thick layer of laminated tempered glass, providing protection against substantial impact. The ability to withstand hail depends on the manufacturer, with solar panels typically designed to endure hail with diameters between one to two inches. Before installing solar panels, it’s advisable to research different models and check for industry-wide ratings.
Two common solar panel ratings to consider are UL 61730 and IEC 61730, which assess a solar panel’s durability during hailstorms. Panels that pass either or both tests can endure hailstorms with diameters between one to three inches, traveling at speeds under 88.3 mph. The robust glass cover protecting the inner workings of the solar panel is engineered to withstand significant hail impact. Manufacturers often conduct tests, rating many solar panels to withstand hail up to an inch in diameter, falling at approximately 50 miles per hour.
Do renewables make the energy price go up?
Increased generation capacity, whether from natural gas, wind, or solar sources, results in higher reliability and affordability. An augmented energy supply tends to drive prices down and should alleviate strain during peak load events, positively impacting consumer bills. The utilization of energy generated by solar farms not only enhances energy security but also creates new jobs, promotes regional development, and contributes to solving various environmental problems.
More information
Download the documents below to know more about the project
UK Tobique Community Solar Hub Inc. is a Joint Venture between Tobique First Nation and Universal Kraft.
- All rights reserved
- UK Tobique Community Solar Hub Inc.
Ground solar
System Type
1,360
Powered Homes
+40
Jobs
Q2 2026
Ready to build
