Bayside Generating Station

Bayside Generating Station
The smokestacks in 2025
CountryCanada
LocationSaint John, New Brunswick
Coordinates45°16′31″N 66°01′35″W / 45.2753°N 66.0263°W / 45.2753; -66.0263
StatusOperational
Construction began1998
Commission date1999
OwnerNB Power
OperatorNB Power
Thermal power station
Primary fuelNatural gas
Power generation
Nameplate capacity284 MW

The Bayside Generating Station is a 284 megawatts (381,000 hp) natural gas-fired power station in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. It is owned and operated by NB Power.[1]

Overview

Bayside is a combined-cycle station in which exhaust heat from a gas turbine is recovered to produce steam for a secondary turbine.[2] In 2022 NB Power installed a new natural gas turbine to increase efficiency.[1]

History

The station entered service in 1999 as Bayside Power LP, developed by Irving Oil to supply NB Power and export surplus electricity to the northeastern United States.[3] It was acquired by Emera in 2009 and operated as a merchant plant under contract to NB Power.[2] NB Power purchased the facility from Emera Energy in 2019, integrating it into its generation fleet.[4] In 2022 the plant underwent a major refit that included installation of a new gas turbine.[5] On July 26, 2024, a roof fire at the station was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported.[6]

Operations

Bayside produces lower greenhouse gas emissions per megawatt-hour than NB Power's older oil- and coal-fired stations such as Coleson Cove Generating Station and Belledune Generating Station. IRP planning indicates the plant will shift to a reduced or backup role after 2035 under federal Clean Electricity Regulation, with gas supply considerations during the coldest periods influencing dispatch.[1] The station’s planning end of life is in 2038.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (PDF) (Report). NB Power. July 28, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Emera Inc. Annual Information Form". Emera Inc. 2011.
  3. ^ "Irving Oil sells Bayside Power to Emera" (Press release). Emera Inc. June 26, 2009.
  4. ^ "NB Power purchases Bayside Generating Station from Emera Energy Inc" (PDF) (Press release). NB Power. March 6, 2019.
  5. ^ "Controversial Saint John metal recycling operation wins partial approval". Yahoo News. CBC News. January 25, 2024.
  6. ^ "Crews extinguish fire at natural-gas-fired power plant in Saint John". Yahoo News. CBC News. July 26, 2024.