[HALIFAX, NS] — Nova Scotia Power today released a formal request for expressions of interest in supplying biomass and related services for its plant currently under construction in Port Hawkesbury.
The process launched today will include the purchase of approximately 500,000 tonnes of biomass fuel for Nova Scotia Power’s 60 MW biomass plant, expected to be operational in the spring of 2013.
“Supplying local biomass fuel to the new plant will create an opportunity to generate economic activity, particularly for central and eastern Nova Scotia communities,” said Mark Sidebottom, vice president of power generation and delivery for Nova Scotia Power. “The energy from this plant will play a role in meeting the province’s renewable electricity goals. We look forward to receiving expressions of interest from potential suppliers around the province, who are committed to using sustainable harvesting practices and being part of economic growth in our communities.”
The Port Hawkesbury biomass plant will create over 200 new, full time jobs in biomass fuel procurement, including positions in sustainable forest harvesting, trucking, chipping, fuel handling, forest management and silviculture. These jobs are in addition to the direct jobs related to the operation of the biomass plant.
As detailed in the Request for Expressions of Interest and Qualifications (REFIQ) document released today, all biomass used by the plant will come from sustainable sources. Nova Scotia Power will require suppliers to provide proof of origin of all biomass material, and proof that all material is produced in full accordance with provincial policy and regulations regarding biomass harvesting for electricity production. In the case of biomass produced from forest harvesting operations, priority will be given to biomass fuel, which meets Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody criteria.
Suppliers are encouraged to sort high-quality roundwood, and, when applicable, combine domestic firewood production with biomass production operations.
“This open process for biomass procurement will ensure the best arrangement of price, economic benefits to local communities and sustainability for the environment in Nova Scotia,” said Sidebottom. “We look forward to engaging with industry partners and communities as the process unfolds.”
The deadline for submissions is October 5, 2012.
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