Simply Blue's Multibillion-Dollar Renewable Energy Project in Nova Scotia
Key Ideas
- Irish firm Simply Blue is planning a multibillion-dollar project in Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore to convert wind, solar, and biomass energy into sustainable aviation fuel, creating hundreds of local jobs.
- The project aims to generate green hydrogen, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to conventional jet fuel, potentially benefiting the forestry industry by creating a new market for wood chips.
- Simply Blue has already invested tens of millions in engineering work and land acquisition, with plans to make a final investment decision in 2026 and begin production in 2029, pending funding and approvals.
- No public funds have been committed to the project to date, with Simply Blue seeking investors for the initiative, which involves building wind and solar farms, a production plant, and a distribution system for the sustainable aviation fuel.
Irish renewable energy company Simply Blue is embarking on a multibillion-dollar project in Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore aimed at converting wind, solar, and biomass energy into sustainable aviation fuel. The project, set in the community of Goldboro, N.S., involves generating green hydrogen and utilizing biomass to produce eco-friendly aviation fuel. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to traditional jet fuel, contributing to addressing the climate emergency.
Simply Blue's project also promises to create hundreds of jobs, particularly benefitting the forestry industry by offering a new market for wood chips. The company has already invested tens of millions in engineering work and land acquisition, with plans to secure funding and approvals by 2026 and commence production in 2029. By closing a deal with natural gas company Pieridae, Simply Blue acquired land for the project site and is actively seeking investors to move the project forward.
Although the exact project cost is not disclosed, it is estimated to be several billion dollars, with funding sourced from Simply Blue's shareholders. The company intends to connect wind and solar farms to the production plant, with a dedicated transmission line and a connection to the provincial grid for backup power. If successful, this ambitious venture could not only boost the local economy but also pioneer green technology in the aviation industry, reinforcing Nova Scotia's position as a hub for sustainable energy innovation.