NB Power explores full conversion of Belledune station
NB Power is advancing its plan to convert the Belledune Generating Station in northern New Brunswick from coal to renewable wood biomass, a move that could transform one of the province’s most carbon-intensive facilities into its largest renewable generator by the end of the decade.
Located in the village of Belledune, the 467-megawatt station has long been a cornerstone of New Brunswick’s electricity grid, providing dependable baseload power and hundreds of jobs in the region. The project forms part of NB Power’s broader strategy to eliminate coal by 2030 and support the province’s transition to a net-zero energy system.
Promising test results for advanced pellets
In 2024, the utility conducted two successful test burns using 100 percent advanced wood pellets, confirming the technical feasibility of the fuel at the Belledune site. The results were described as “promising,” demonstrating that biomass could provide a reliable and sustainable replacement for coal.
A second test in November 2024 refined cost estimates for a potential full-scale conversion. NB Power emphasized that the pellets would be sourced from existing sustainable forestry operations, ensuring no expansion of large-scale harvesting.
Further analysis and testing are planned through 2025 to confirm long-term viability and fuel-supply logistics. The utility has already signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with several potential suppliers to evaluate pellet production and distribution capacity.
Economic and environmental benefits
Switching to advanced biomass could have wide-ranging economic impacts across New Brunswick, from forestry and transportation to shipping and logistics.
If completed, the conversion would reduce greenhouse-gas emissions substantially and strengthen energy security by keeping the Belledune facility in operation with a renewable fuel source.
“Finding an alternative renewable fuel for Belledune is a key part of our long-term strategy to drive New Brunswick toward a cleaner, greener future,” NB Power stated.
Next steps and project timeline
NB Power expects to finalize its fuel-supply strategy by late 2025, with a final investment decision targeted for early 2026. Subject to those approvals, the biomass conversion could be completed between 2028 and 2030, aligning with federal coal-phase-out regulations.
Throughout the process, NB Power continues to engage with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders to ensure transparency and community participation in the project’s development.
