Nova Sustainable Fuels project reaches key milestone with environmental assessment approval
Nova Sustainable Fuels’ (NSF) vision for a renewable energy park in Goldboro, N.S. took an important step forward in late December, when the Minister of Environment and Climate Change approved the project’s first environmental assessment. The approval – issued with conditions – sets the stage for the next phase of planning and development.
The proposed renewable energy park aims to produce two critical low-carbon fuels for decarbonizing the transportation sector: sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable methanol. These fuels will be produced using a fully integrated clean-energy system that brings together over 1 GW of renewable electricity generated from NSF’s planned solar and wind farms in the District of St. Mary’s, local sustainable biomass and water.
“This approval moves us one step closer to delivering the clean-energy solutions needed to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, which accounts for approximately one quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions,” said Andrew Parsons, Project Director for NSF. “We’re excited about the progress and the potential impact this project can have for Nova Scotia and beyond.”
SAF is made from renewable materials and performs just like traditional jet fuel. NSF plans to produce 165,000 tons of SAF annually, and the sustainable fuel is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 85% compared to conventional jet fuel.
The project includes the construction of a renewable energy park at the site of Pieridae Energy Ltd.’s formerly proposed Goldboro Liquified Natural Gas Project. Nova Sustainable Fuels purchased the highly sought-after 266-acre development site with extensive existing permits in place in 2024.
Federal leaders also welcomed the progress. “Atlantic Canada offers exceptional conditions for renewable energy development, including strategic access to global markets, abundant resources and strong government support,” said the Honorable Laurel Broten, CEO of Invest in Canada. “Nova Sustainable Fuels’ progress reflects the region’s growing role in advancing clean energy solutions, and we welcome this milestone as Canada continues to provide a safe, stable environment for transformative projects.”
NSF intends to submit a second environmental assessment in 2027 for the renewable power generation components of the project. Construction is expected to commence in 2028 after all required permits have been obtained, and the project is expected to be operational in 2031. “We’re committed to doing this right and will continue to engage with local communities as the project progresses,” said Parsons. “Community feedback and local knowledge are essential, and we want to ensure this project delivers real benefits while respecting the people and environment of the area.”
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