13-09-2024

Simply Blue Group to develop major sustainable aviation fuel hub in Goldboro

Simply Blue Group, a leading developer of clean energy projects, has announced the Goldboro site in Nova Scotia, Canada formerly proposed as Goldboro Liquified Natural Gas Project, as the location for their major sustainable aviation fuels hub. This development marks a significant step in the company’s strategic expansion into North America.

Approximately 755 acres of contiguous land have been secured by Simply Blue Group for development in Goldboro: 266 acres previously owned by Pieridae and 489 acres owned by the Municipality of the District of Guysborough.

The REP in Goldboro will utilise renewable electricity generated from Simply Blue Group’s solar and wind farms in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s. A dedicated transmission line will connect these facilities, ensuring a seamless flow of self-produced power. This renewable energy, along with Nova Scotia’s sustainable biomass and water resources, will be utilized to produce approximately 150,000 tonnes of SAF per year.

“Nova Scotia is poised to become a leader in green hydrogen. This industry will help us, and our global partners fight climate change, and it will grow our green economy in Nova Scotia with benefits for generations to come,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. “We’re pleased to see Simply Blue Group investing in this budding new industry in Nova Scotia. They’re going to make a big difference in the transportation sector with aviation and marine fuel. And as a new market for our low-grade wood fibre, they will help our forestry sector be healthy and strong.”

Nova Scotia has an abundance of residual biomass: renewable organic material that comes from plants. It contains carbon and hydrogen – both of which are required to make sustainable aviation fuel.

Todd Burgess, Interim Executive Director at Forest Nova Scotia, commented on the positive impact of Simply Blue Group’s project on the forestry industry saying: “By providing a stable, long-term market for residual biomass, Simply Blue Group is allowing Nova Scotian woodlot owners the ability to manage their woodlots better, making them healthier and more resilient to wildfires and other disasters brought on by our changing climate.”

Hugh Kelly, CEO & Co Founder of Simply Blue Group, said: “We are very excited to be developing the Goldboro site into a renewable energy park. The sustainable aviation fuel that we will produce there will play an essential part in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change.”

He continued: “SAF is a drop-in fuel that matches the performance of conventional jet fuel while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 90% compared to conventional jet fuel.”

Michael Galvin, Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Hydrogen and Sustainable Fuels, emphasized the importance of the project. He said: “It’s great to be finally launching this project. A lot of work has gone on in the background with three years of due-diligence and engineering completed, and we have already signed a supply agreement with Wagner Forest NS Ltd. to act as an agent in sourcing 700,000 tonnes of green biomass per annum.”

To support the global focus on decarbonization in the transportation sector—responsible for approximately 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions—the development and adoption of sustainable fuels like SAF is crucial. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Canada currently consumes approximately 6.5 million tonnes of jet fuel per year, resulting in approximately 20 million tonnes per year of carbon dioxide emissions.

Laurel Broten, CEO of Invest in Canada, expressed support for the project: “Simply Blue Group’s renewable energy park is an exciting and transformative project for the community of Goldboro, for the province of Nova Scotia, and for the sustainable fuels and green hydrogen sector in Canada. Tapping into the province’s existing resources and enormous potential, the REP is poised to innovate and create new opportunities in this vital industry. We at Invest in Canada are thrilled to be supporting Simply Blue Group in establishing this project and look forward to continuing to work with our government partners at all levels to help bring dynamic global companies to Canada, as the country takes a leading role in the worldwide transition to net-zero.”