In New Brunswick, NB Power’s plan to convert the Belledune coal-fired electric power station to black pellets presents an exciting opportunity for Canada. One that could strengthen the economics of the Canadian lumber sector, ensure better use of existing harvests and support rural communities across Atlantic Canada, while ensuring the power station complies with Canada’s 2030 coal phase-out regulation. With the right federal support, all of Belledune’s fuel supply can come from within Canada — specifically, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario. This is “buy Canadian” in practice: Canadian fibre turned into Canadian pellets for Canadian electricity. Thermally treated pellets, often referred to as “black pellets,” are emerging as one of the most promising renewable fuels in Canada’s energy transition. They mimic coal in energy production, are compatible with existing coal infrastructure, easier to pulverize than white pellets and can be stored outdoors without degrading.