Nova Sustainable Fuels Clears Hurdle for Major Canadian SAF Production?

Nova Sustainable Fuels (NSF) has received a key environmental assessment approval for its ambitious project. This approval covers the first phase of a new renewable energy park (REP). The park is located in Goldboro, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Canada. The primary goal is to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Project Details and Feedstock

NSF’s Phase 1 approval focuses on the SAF production facility itself. The company plans to use waste biomass from Nova Scotia’s forestry and forest-based industries. This includes wood chips and bark, creating a new market for forestry byproducts. The facility will produce low-emission aviation fuel and renewable methanol.

This SAF is expected to be a "drop-in" alternative to conventional jet fuel. It is projected to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 90% compared to traditional petroleum-based fuel. The approval was granted by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on December 18, 2025. It is subject to 34 stringent terms and conditions designed to protect human health and the environment.

Timeline and Economic Impact

Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin in 2028. Operations are then planned to commence by 2031. The project is expected to operate for a minimum of 50 years.

• The project is forecast to create about 1,000 jobs during the construction phase.
• Up to 80 permanent jobs are expected during the operational phase.
• A second environmental assessment is required for Phase 2. This phase includes planned wind and solar farms to supply renewable energy for the fuel production.

Advancing Canadian SAF Production

This development is a significant step toward Canada’s aviation decarbonization goals. Canada’s Aviation Climate Action Plan sets an ambitious target. The goal is for 10% of projected jet fuel use to be SAF by 2030. This equates to a required 1 billion liters of domestic SAF production. Projects like the Goldboro REP are vital to achieving this national target.

Globally, the aviation industry, represented by IATA, is committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. SAF is viewed as the single most important tool to reach this goal. It is estimated to provide roughly 65% of the necessary emission reductions. The global SAF market is experiencing robust growth. Production volumes are still small, however, representing only about 0.3% of global jet fuel use in 2024. This highlights the immense need for new facilities.

Challenges and Opportunities

Scaling up Sustainable Aviation Fuel remains a challenge. High production costs compared to conventional jet fuel are a major barrier. Additionally, building out the necessary supply chain infrastructure is complex.

• Opportunity: The NSF project utilizes a non-food-competing feedstock (waste biomass).
• Risk: The project requires a second environmental approval for its power source. Delays could impact the 2031 operational timeline.

Successful completion of the Goldboro REP will boost the supply of low-emission aviation fuel. This directly supports airlines and airports seeking to meet their own sustainability mandates. The project helps position Nova Scotia as a leader in the global clean energy transition. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.