OPG’s Thunder Bay Generating Station running on biomass

THUNDER BAY, Ont.—Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG) said its Thunder Bay Generating Station is now running on advanced biomass.

“Ontario is a leader in building a clean energy system, and the completion of the conversion to use advanced biomass at Thunder Bay is key to building a cleaner future for the people of our province,” Ontario Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli said in a statement.

TBGS marks the second OPG facility to be converted to biomass, with the Crown corporation’s Atikokan Generating Station shifting to the renewable fuel source in September 2014.

“As the local MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, I am proud that our government converted both generating plants to clean biomass,” said Bill Mauro.

“These conversions are critical to Northwestern Ontario’s energy security and provide an important tax base for their local communities. The investments have also created new opportunities for the forestry industry while protecting local well-paying jobs.”

OPG is also working with Confederation College, a post-secondary school in Thunder Bay, to advance the technology through the Bioenergy Learning Research Centre.

“By converting the Thunder Bay Generating Station to advanced biomass, Ontario has put Thunder Bay on the map as an innovative environmentally-friendly city,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs.

“This conversion, along with the associated research program, aligns with the city’s strategic priorities and efforts to further develop our knowledge-based economy, as well as putting the infrastructure in place to prepare for growth in the resource sector—a critical measure to advance Thunder Bay’s economic diversification.”

Advanced biomass has similar handling and storage characteristics to coal.

It contains about 75 per cent less nitrogen oxide than coal emissions and virtually no sulphur dioxide.

The advanced biomass pellets used at the facility in Thunder Bay are made from lumber mill sawdust.