BELLEDUNE, NB, Sept. 17, 2026 /CNW/ -- The partners of the Belledune Joint Venture (temporary name) today welcomed NB Power's decision to proceed with the conversion of the Belledune Generating Station to sustainably sourced advanced pellets and to enter into a long-term biomass supply agreement with the Joint Venture. The partners appreciate the confidence shown by NB Power. The partners welcome this vote of confidence from NB Power.  

The decision paves the way for the continued development of the Belledune Joint Venture project, a partnership bringing together Pabineau First Nation, Eel River Bar First Nation, Arbec Forest Products and Airex Energy. Located at the Port of Belledune within its Green Energy Hub, the facility will transform sustainably sourced forestry residues into torrefied pellets to support the conversion of the Belledune Generating Station, helping preserve an important source of generation capacity for New Brunswick. The planned facility is expected to produce up to 150,000 tonnes of torrefied pellets annually and represents an investment of approximately $100 million.

Beyond its role in supporting the conversion, the initiative represents an innovative opportunity to build a bridge between two sectors that are vital to New Brunswick's economy: forestry and energy. By using forestry harvest residues and sawmill by-products as feedstock, the project supports the long-term vitality of the forest sector and its supply chain, helps diversify markets for forest products, and maximizes the value generated from every tree harvested, consistent with the principles of circular economy.

The project will also play an important role in New Brunswick's energy transition by providing locally produced renewable fuel to support the decarbonization of the province's electricity sector and the transition away from coal-fired generation. Based on current estimates, the project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 220,000 tonnes annually¹, the equivalent of over 73 500 cars or 94,8 million litres of gasoline consumed, while also significantly reducing other emissions such as sulfur, nitrogen dioxide, ash, heavy metals, and PAHs.

The project is expected to create 75 jobs at the facility and across the forestry sector, while helping sustain more than 325 additional forestry jobs, bringing the total number of direct and indirect jobs created or maintained to approximately 400. By supporting local suppliers, contractors and service providers across the forestry, transportation and energy sectors, it will help generate lasting value for local communities.

At its core, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, economic development, long-term value creation for local communities as well as energy security and sovereignty. By bringing together Indigenous communities and industry partners, it demonstrates how collaboration can support a more sustainable and prosperous future for New Brunswick.

Information sessions will be organized in the coming weeks to provide residents and community members with an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions directly to project representatives. Dates, locations and additional details will be announced shortly.

"Pabineau First Nation is excited to be a partner in this project with Eel River Bar First Nation, Airex Energy, Arbec and the Port of Belledune.  This project is and will be the first in North America that produces advanced pellets at industrial scale.  This reflects our vision of moving towards the conversion to get the Belledune power plant off coal and reducing our carbon footprint. We believe that partnership is the key to success and the opportunity for us to become equity owners in this project shows the ability for even our small First Nation community to be an economic leader. We look forward to the development of this project" – Chief Terry Richardson, Pabineau First Nation

"Ugpi'ganjig is excited for this important milestone in this joint venture project. We look joyfully to continuing this journey together with our partners as we move forward in shared prosperity and future growth." – Chief Chris George, Eel River Bar First Nation

"Today's announcement demonstrates the potential of torrefied pellets as a practical and scalable solution for reducing emissions from coal-fired generation. Over the last two years, Airex Energy has been actively involved in the venture and would like to thank its partners and stakeholders for their remarkable contributions. Since 2016, Airex Energy has been operating and perfecting its CarbonFX technology to help accelerate the transition to lower-carbon energy systems. We are proud to see a Canadian technology playing a key role in supporting New Brunswick's energy security and reducing reliance on imported coal. The Belledune Project represents a major step forward for the commercialization of torrefied biomass and demonstrates how Canadian technology can contribute to both clean energy and climate objectives. NB Power and the New Brunswick government are clearly paving the way to this energy transition here and around the globe." – Michel Gagnon, CEO, Airex Energy

"Arbec Forest Products proudly acknowledges and reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the Belledune Torrefied Pellet Project and to our valued partners Pabineau First Nation, Eel River Bar First Nation, and Airex Energy, working alongside us with significant contributions from the Port of Belledune. We believe the project represents an important opportunity to advance innovation, sustainability, and long-term value within the forest products sector by creating a new, long-term market for forestry harvest residues and sawmill by-products.  Arbec remains dedicated to providing the collaboration, expertise, and support required to move the project forward responsibly, while maintaining open communication and strong, respectful relationships with all partners and stakeholders as we work to contribute to the province's energy transition.  We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of the Province of New Brunswick and NB Power, and look forward to continuing this shared effort and achieving our collective goals together." – Adam Stone, VP Operations, Arbec Forest Products

"Today's announcement represents an important milestone not only for this project, but for the continued development of the Port of Belledune's Green Energy Hub. The Belledune Torrefied Pellet Project demonstrates how our existing infrastructure and strategic location can support new clean energy industries and create strong economic opportunities for Northern New Brunswick. By bringing together industry, Indigenous partners, utilities and governments, this initiative strengthens the Port's role as a catalyst for sustainable industrial development and reinforces our ambition to position Belledune as a leader in the emerging low-carbon economy." – Denis Caron, CEO, Port of Belledune

About Pabineau First Nation

Pabineau (Oinpegitjoig) First Nation is a dynamic L'nu community rooted in a place of deep cultural significance. Guided by our cultural values and traditions, we are committed to fostering holistic growth through social, cultural, environmental, and economic development to support a strong and vibrant future for our community. Oinpegitjoig | Discover and Connect Today

About Eel River Bar First Nation

Ugpi'Ganjig, meaning "discolored foam on the water," also known as Eel River Bar, is a First Nation community located in New Brunswick, Canada. It is part of the larger Mi'kmaq Nation. The community focuses on preserving its rich cultural heritage while striving for economic development and self-sufficiency. Eel River Bar engages in a variety of economic ventures, including fisheries, natural resource development, and other local businesses. https://ugpi-ganjig.ca/

About Airex Energy

Airex Energy is a Canadian clean technology company specializing in the transformation of residual biomass into low-carbon renewable carbon products. Powered by its own patented technologies, the company produces torrefied pellets, biochar and biocarbon solutions that help reduce emissions in the energy and industrial sectors. By turning underutilized biomass into valuable products, Airex Energy supports the development of sustainable local supply chains, energy security and regional economic growth. The company is actively advancing projects and partnerships that contribute to the transition toward a lower-carbon economy. For more information, visit www.airex-energy.com.

About Arbec Forest Products

Arbec Forest Products Inc. is a major player in the Canadian forest industry specializing in OSB panels. With operations in Quebec and New Brunswick, the company is committed to providing high-quality, environmentally friendly and sustainable products. Through strategic partnerships and vertically integrated operations, Arbec's activities span forestry, wood processing and renewable bioenergy production. For more information, visit www.arbec.ca/en 

About Port of Belledune

The Port of Belledune is a Canadian Federal Port Authority uniquely positioned to be Canada's Green Energy Hub. Located in northern New Brunswick, the Port is transforming to diversify, grow and support the development of clean energy industries. Through strategic investments, international partnerships and its Green Energy Hub initiative, the Port is helping create new opportunities for sustainable economic development while strengthening New Brunswick's role in the global energy transition. For more information, visit www.portbelledune.ca 

SOURCE Belledune Joint Venture