In Canada, provincial power utility New Brunswick Power Corporation (NB Power) has announced that it has reached two important milestones in its plan to transition its Belledune Generating Station (Belledune GS) from coal to sustainably sourced advanced pellets derived from woody and agricultural hemp biomass.
Following approval by NB Power’s Board of Directors in August 2026, the utility has signed agreements with Canadian suppliers to provide the fuel required to support Belledune’s conversion and future operation.
The agreements secure the majority of the fuel supply needed for the station and mark a significant step toward meeting federal coal phase-out requirements while maintaining reliability for customers.
The conversion will help NB Power meet federal coal phase-out requirements while supporting the corporation’s long-term objective of providing New Brunswickers with a cleaner electricity supply.
Converting to a renewable fuel source will make Belledune GS the largest renewable generator; currently it is the most greenhouse-gas-intensive energy generator in NB Power’s fleet.
The Board’s approval and the signing of these supply agreements move this project from planning into execution. These milestones give us confidence in the path forward as we continue working to maintain reliable service for customers while preparing for a future without coal, said Lori Clark, President and CEO of NB Power.
Builds on technical studies and fuel testing
The decision follows several years of technical studies, fuel testing and project development.
Converting Belledune GS to operate on advanced biomass pellets was identified as the preferred option to maintain the station’s contribution to New Brunswick’s electricity system while complying with federal regulations requiring coal-fired generation to be phased out by 2030.
Belledune GS remains an important source of generation capacity for New Brunswick. The conversion project will allow the station to continue operating beyond 2030 while supporting reliability, energy security, and a more sustainable electricity system.
A switch to advanced pellets at Belledune GS would also drive job creation and economic growth in northern New Brunswick, supporting local industries including forestry, agriculture, trucking, rail, and shipping.
The fuel will be sourced through established Canadian forestry and wood-processing supply chains, along with sustainable agriculture activities, and must meet recognized sustainability standards and regulatory requirements.
NB Power will continue working with local communities, Indigenous rightsholders and stakeholders as the project progresses.
Those discussions have helped shape project planning to date and will continue as implementation advances and additional milestones are reached.
Move to engineering phase
With Board approval and fuel supply agreements now in place, the project will move into the next phase of engineering, procurement and site preparation activities, including ongoing fuel testing, equipment upgrades and preparations for long-term biomass operation.
This is an important step forward. There is still work ahead, but these milestones provide a strong foundation as we continue the transition away from coal while maintaining the reliable electricity that New Brunswickers depend on, Lri Clark said.
The Belledune Clean Fuel Project is expected to support continued operation of the generating station beyond 2030 while preserving an important source of generation capacity for New Brunswick customers.
