N.B. Power is currently facing an urgent need for significant repairs on the pollution control system at the Coleson Cove generating station. Phil Landry, the acting vice-president of operations at N.B. Power, mentioned that the utility has been closely monitoring the system in recent years and has delayed costly repairs until absolutely necessary.
The Coleson Cove station operates three large boilers that burn bunker C oil, a costly and highly polluting fuel used in New Brunswick for electricity generation. The exhaust smoke from burning bunker C oil must pass through a scrubber at the Saint John plant to eliminate sulphur dioxide, a key contributor to acid rain. However, corrosive ash buildup in the steel structure between the boilers and the scrubber has led to deterioration, as stated by Landry.
While the system is currently functioning correctly with only routine maintenance needed, Landry emphasized the importance of making decisions for the future. The potential repair cost, estimated at around $90.6 million based on figures from 2024, underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Considering a possible switch to burning natural gas, Landry highlighted the advantages of natural gas over heavy fuel oil in terms of pollution control. Natural gas combustion produces minimal sulphur dioxide emissions, eliminating the need for a scrubber and potentially avoiding the costly repair. However, no final decision has been made yet.
During recent Energy and Utilities board hearings, Brad Coady, N.B. Power’s chief commercial officer, mentioned that natural gas conversion is being evaluated as an option to address the aging infrastructure at Coleson Cove. The plant, operational since 1976 and scheduled for retirement in 2040, is one of N.B. Power’s last resorts for energy generation due to its high costs and carbon emissions.
Clean air advocate Gordon Dalzell acknowledged the improvements in emissions control at Coleson Cove but highlighted the need for reduced plant usage to minimize environmental impact. Dalzell also expressed concerns over relying on a plant nearing the end of its lifespan rather than investing in renewable energy sources.
The potential transition to natural gas faces challenges related to sourcing the fuel, particularly in the volatile liquefied natural gas market. The uncertainty surrounding energy prices, influenced by global geopolitical events, could impact the decision-making process regarding Coleson Cove’s conversion.
N.B. Power has a history of exploring fuel type changes at Coleson Cove, including failed attempts to switch to Orimulsion and experiments with alternative fuel mixes. The utility is now revisiting the idea of converting to natural gas, with the cost implications under scrutiny. Landry refrained from speculating about the current cost of switching to natural gas, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation before finalizing any decisions.