Simply Blue Group to Develop Major SAF Hub in Goldboro, Nova Scotia

Simply Blue Group, a leading clean energy project developer, has revealed plans to establish a major sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) hub at the Goldboro site in Nova Scotia, Canada, previously intended for the Goldboro Liquified Natural Gas Project. This marks a pivotal move in the company’s North American expansion. Simply Blue Group has secured around 755 acres of land for the development—266 acres from Pieridae and 489 acres from the Municipality of the District of Guysborough.

The Renewable Energy Park (REP) in Goldboro will harness renewable electricity from Simply Blue Group’s solar and wind farms in the District of St. Mary’s. A dedicated transmission line will connect these facilities, ensuring a continuous flow of self-produced energy. This renewable power, along with Nova Scotia’s abundant biomass and water resources, will be used to produce approximately 150,000 tonnes of SAF annually.

Tory Rushton, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, expressed optimism, stating, "Nova Scotia is set to become a leader in green hydrogen. This industry will help combat climate change and grow our green economy for generations to come." He added that Simply Blue Group’s investment in this emerging industry will have a significant impact on aviation and marine fuel sectors, while also strengthening the local forestry sector by creating a new market for low-grade wood fiber.

Nova Scotia has a vast supply of residual biomass, an organic material rich in carbon and hydrogen—key elements in SAF production. Todd Burgess, Interim Executive Director at Forest Nova Scotia, highlighted the positive impact of the project on forestry, stating, "Simply Blue Group’s project provides a stable, long-term market for residual biomass, helping woodlot owners improve forest management and resilience to climate-related threats like wildfires."

Hugh Kelly, CEO and Co-Founder of Simply Blue Group, expressed enthusiasm about transforming the Goldboro site into a renewable energy hub. "The SAF we produce will play a critical role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change," Kelly said. SAF, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90%, matches the performance of conventional jet fuel.

Michael Galvin, COO for Hydrogen and Sustainable Fuels, emphasized the project’s significance after three years of due diligence and engineering. A supply agreement with Wagner Forest NS Ltd. has been secured to source 700,000 tonnes of green biomass annually.

Laurel Broten, CEO of Invest in Canada, called the renewable energy park a transformative project for Goldboro, Nova Scotia, and Canada’s green hydrogen sector. She emphasized its potential to drive innovation and opportunities in sustainable fuels, contributing to Canada’s leadership in the global shift to net-zero emissions.