Ontario coal plant to be converted to biomass

The Canadian state of Ontario will achieve its goal to eliminate coal-fired power generation by the end of 2014.

In a press release from the Ministry of Energy, the state announced that over the next year, the coal-fired Thunder Bay Generating Station (TBGS) will cease operation, and will be converted to use advanced biomass as fuel for electricity generation.

TBGS, which is operated by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), will be the first advanced biomass power station in the world that was previously a coal plant. The station will have a five-year contract to generate electricity. Conversion modifications to the plant will begin in 2014, and it is expected to commence operation in 2015.

Clean, reliable, affordable

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

By 2014, TBGS will be the last coal-fired power station operating in the Ontario. The province closed Lambton Generating Station earlier in October, and will stop operations at Nanticoke Generating Station by the end of 2013.

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

In September this year, OPS carried out a successful test burn using 100% advanced biomass, the first of its kind in the world.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/18112013/ontario_coal_to_biomass_plant_266/