Ontario swaps coal for advanced biomass

November 22, 2013 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Over the next year, the Thunder Bay Generating Station (TBGS) will stop burning coal and be converted advanced biomass for electricity generation, bringing Ontario closer to achieving its goal of eliminating coal-fired generation by the end of 2014. Ontario has already closed its Lambton Generating Station (October 2013) and will close Nanticoke Generating Station by the end of 2013.

Thunder Bay Coal Generating Station. Credit: Loimere/Wikimedia Commons

Operated by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), TBGS will be the first advanced biomass station in the world that was formerly a coal plant. Modifications to the plant, which will have a five-year contract to generate electricity, will begin in 2014 and is expected to begin operations in 2015. In September 2013, OPG conducted a successful test burn using 100 percent advanced biomass -- the first of its kind in the world. The conversion of the Thunder Bay Generating Station to burn advanced biomass will ensure Thunder Bay has access to clean, reliable power.

Advanced biomass is a renewable fuel derived from forest or agricultural sources that has characteristics similar to coal and has better transportation, storage, and combustion characteristics than traditional biomass. Advanced biomass emissions contain about 75 percent less nitrogen oxide than coal emissions and virtually no sulphur dioxide.

Eliminating coal-fired generation and protecting the environment while providing clean, reliable and affordable power is part of the government's plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate across Ontario.

"Northwestern Ontario is on the leading edge of some very exciting new mining and forestry developments and I am pleased… that our government is taking action to support healthy communities while ensuring important energy needs are met," Michael Gravelle, MPP of Thunder Bay-Superior North and Minister of Northern Development and Mines said in a statement. "By moving off coal and converting the Thunder Bay Generating Station to advanced biomass we are cleaning our air and supporting local jobs."

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http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/ontario-swaps-coal-advanced-biomass/2013-11-22