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Nova Scotia Power seeking 500,000 tonnes of biomass

Nova Scotia Power recently released a formal request for expressions of interest in supplying biomass and related services for its biomass-powered generating plant currently under construction at Port Hawkesbury.

Nova Scotia Power recently released a formal request for expressions of interest in supplying biomass and related services for its biomass-powered generating plant currently under construction at Port Hawkesbury.

The bid process will include the purchase of approximately 500,000 tonnes of biomass fuel for the 60-MW plant, which is expected to be operational in the spring of 2013.

“Supplying local biomass fuel to the new plant will create an opportunity to generate economic activity, particularly for central and eastern Nova Scotia communities,” said Mark Sidebottom, vice-president, power generation and delivery for Nova Scotia Power. “We look forward to receiving expressions of interest from potential suppliers around the province, who are committed to using sustainable harvesting practices and being part of economic growth in our communities.”

The Port Hawkesbury biomass plant is expected to create more than 200 new, full-time jobs in biomass fuel procurement, including positions in sustainable forest harvesting, trucking, chipping, fuel handling, forest management and silviculture.

Nova Scotia Power will require suppliers to provide proof of origin of all biomass material, and proof that all material is produced in full accordance with provincial policy and regulations regarding biomass harvesting for electricity production. In the case of biomass produced from forest harvesting operations, priority will be given to biomass fuel which meets Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody criteria.

Suppliers are encouraged to sort high-quality roundwood, and, when applicable, combine domestic firewood production with biomass production operations.