N.L. government looking to sell idle Buchans energy plant

While the Buchans plant is owned by the provincial government, it's operated by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, and hasn't been in used since 2014. (Submitted by Robert Woolgar)
The Newfoundland and Labrador government is looking to offload a long-idle power plant in central Newfoundland, and says it's hearing interest from a renewable energy company that plans to double the plant's former output.
Industry, Energy and Technology Minister Andrew Parsons said the Buchans generation station, which hasn't been operational since 2014, can be put to better use.
"It's sitting there idle and the conversation we're about to have is what we intend, or hope to see, done with it," Parsons said.
Last week the province issued a non-binding letter of intent to a consortium, which includes Qalipu First Nation, Qalipu Holdings LP, Angler Solutions and St. John's-based renewable power company Growler Energy.
Growler Energy CEO Robert Woolgar says the Buchans plant is attractive because so much of the infrastructure is already there. (Submitted by Robert Woolgar)
Growler Energy CEO Robert Woolgar says he's worked in the energy sector for 30 years and is familiar with many of the province's assets, but Buchans stands out in particular because it's the community where his wife is from.
"Growler — being a renewable energy company and this being a smaller plant — there could be a spot there for us to help support and basically get the plant back operational," said Woolgar.
Taking over a plant with existing infrastructure is enticing, he adds: these days, there's more interest in decarbonization and electrification, especially at a time when the public utility is looking to increase its energy capacity.
"Having these resources there that really just need somebody to come in and basically get them operational again, that adds value," said Woolgar.
Much of the necessary plant infrastructure is already in place, he said, including the dam and reservoir.
"You're not creating that new asset more than just basically getting an aging asset back to operations."
Woolgar said the company could double or even triple the plant's energy generating capabilities, which was previously 1.8 megawatts.
It will still take time before Growler Energy and the government make a deal, said Woolgar. Before they shake hands, they'll need to complete a feasibility study and carry out community engagement.
If they strike a deal, first energy could be produced in late 2028, which would be sold back to the province through a power purchase agreement.
'Big win here'
Parsons called the possible deal a "win-win," as Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro doesn't have plans for the Buchans plant.
The Buchans community is supportive of the plan, he said, adding that the Qalipu First Nation are involved in the proposal.
"What we're doing is allowing [Growler Energy] to start the feasibility study to figure out what this will entail. So again, I think it's a great move all around," Parsons said.
Minister Andrew Parsons says the idle Buchans plant could soon be generating power again. (Elizabeth Whitten/CBC)
Parsons added the province is always going to be looking for more power for residential growth and commercial growth.
"This is a big win here. And the work itself will be undertaken by a private company using their funds, and then they'll work out to see if there's an affordable power-purchase agreement with Hydro. Hydro is not going to pay just anything for this. It has to be reasonably priced."
Parsons said if the Buchans plant sits there, the province will be responsible for its decommissioning, deconstruction and cleanup.
"That's why I'd like to see the site become operational again and bring all the benefits that these things do," he said.
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

San Francisco Chronicle​

40 minutes ago

• San Francisco Chronicle​

Jerash: Fiscal Q4 Earnings Snapshot

FAIRFIELD, N.J. (AP) — FAIRFIELD, N.J. (AP) — Jerash Holdings (US), Inc. (JRSH) on Monday reported a loss of $153,000 in its fiscal fourth quarter. The Fairfield, New Jersey-based company said it had a loss of 1 cent per share. The company posted revenue of $29.3 million in the period. For the current quarter ending in June, Jerash said it expects revenue in the range of $38 million to $40 million. _____

Indianapolis Star

an hour ago

• Indianapolis Star

Dateline Resources Reports Strong Progress in Colosseum Gold-REE Exploration Program in California

SAN BERNARDINO, CA / ACCESS Newswire Dateline Resources Limited (ASX:DTR)(OTCQB:DTREF), an Australian-based exploration company, is pleased to provide an update on its ongoing exploration program at the 100%-owned Colosseum Gold and Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project, located in the prolific Walker Lane Trend of San Bernardino County, California. This comprehensive program highlights Dateline's commitment to advancing the exploration of this dual-commodity asset through detailed geophysical and geochemical surveys. The magneto telluric (MT) geophysical survey is progressing steadily, with data collected from 119 of the planned 167 stations, representing approximately 70% completion. Designed to capture deep subsurface resistivity data along multiple lines spanning the project claims, the MT survey aims to image geological structures and alteration zones that could indicate buried breccia pipes or REE-bearing mineralized features. Preliminary 1D and 2D resistivity inversions from the first three completed survey lines have been generated and are under review by Dateline's technical team, showing resistivity contrasts that may correlate with key lithological contacts or structural features at depth. A full 3D inversion of the MT dataset will be conducted once all field data is collected, with results expected within 2-4 weeks of survey completion, enhancing the company's ability to pinpoint high-priority drill targets. In parallel, the geochemical sampling program is advancing, with 599 of the planned 1,207 samples, roughly 50%, collected as of today. Targeting high-priority areas such as newly identified felsite dykes west of historic pits and untested gravity-low anomalies to the east, these samples are being sent to the laboratory in batches for multi-element analysis, including a full suite of rare earth elements, to identify geochemical anomalies and pathfinder elements. Initial assay results from the first batch are expected in early July 2025, with comprehensive interpretation to follow once all samples are analyzed. Given current progress, terrain, and temperature conditions, the sampling campaign is anticipated to conclude in approximately 17-20 days. These exploration efforts are central to Dateline's 'stacked evidence' methodology, which integrates MT, geochemical, gravity, and potentially ground magnetic data to refine drill targets. The results will guide upcoming drilling campaigns, including a maiden REE-focused program, positioning Colosseum as a strategically significant project for both gold and critical minerals. Located less than 10 kilometers north of the world-class Mountain Pass REE mine, the Colosseum Project is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing global demand for rare earth elements, supported by strong U.S. government initiatives to bolster domestic production. This positions the project to contribute to America's strategic mineral supply chain, enhancing national security by reducing reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. Managing Director Stephen Baghdadi commented, 'We are very encouraged by the field progress and initial data coming from Colosseum. In just a short period, our team has covered roughly half of the geochemical survey grid, and the MT survey is advancing on schedule. Each batch of samples sent to the lab and each line of geophysical data brings us a step closer to uncovering the next phase of Colosseum's potential. We look forward to receiving the assay results in July along with the MT survey's 3D models. Combining these new datasets will allow us to pinpoint the most prospective zones for both gold and rare earths with a high degree of confidence. This systematic approach is laying the groundwork for our upcoming drilling campaigns, including the maiden REE-focused drill program, to unlock value from this unique gold-REE project.' About Dateline Resources Limited Dateline Resources Limited (ASX: DTR, OTCQB: DTREF) is an Australian company focused on mining and exploration in North America. The Company owns 100% of the Colosseum Gold-REE Project in California. The Colosseum Gold Mine is located in the Walker Lane Trend in East San Bernardino County, California. On 6 June 2024, the Company announced to the ASX that the Colosseum Gold mine has a JORC-2012 compliant Mineral Resource estimate of 27.1Mt @ 1.26g/t Au for 1.1Moz. Of the total Mineral Resource, 455koz @ 1.47/t Au (41%) are classified as Measured, 281koz @1.21g/t Au (26%) as Indicated and 364koz @ 1.10g/t Au (33%) as Inferred. On 23 May 2025, Dateline announced that updated economics for the Colosseum Gold Project generated an NPV 6.5 of US$550 million and an IRR of 61% using a gold price of US$2,900/oz. The Colosseum is located less than 10km north of the Mountain Rare Earth mine. Planning has commenced on drill testing the REE potential at Colosseum. Forward-Looking Statements This announcement may contain 'forward-looking statements' concerning Dateline Resources that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Generally, the words 'will', 'may', 'should', 'continue', 'believes', 'expects', 'intends', 'anticipates' or similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond Dateline Resources' ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, changes in regulatory environment and the behavior of other market participants. Dateline Resources cannot give any assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to have been correct. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Dateline Resources assumes no obligation and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any of the forward-looking statements set out herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required. Competent Person Statement Sample preparation and any exploration information in this announcement is based upon work reviewed by Mr Greg Hall who is a Chartered Professional of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CP-IMM). Mr Hall has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to quality as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' (JORC Code). Mr Hall is a Non-Executive Director of Dateline Resources Limited and consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on this information in the form and context in which it appears. Contact Information Stephen Baghdadi Managing Director Dateline Resources Limited +61 2 9375 2353 info@ Andrew Rowell White Noise Communications +61 400 466 226 andrew@ Follow Dateline on X: @Dateline_DTR Dateline Resources Limited Level 29, 2 Chifley Square, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia This press release is authorized for release by the Board of Dateline Resources Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Business Wire

an hour ago

• Business Wire

Apollon Wealth Management Expands into Ohio with the Addition of Chornyak & Associates

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apollon Wealth Management, LLC ('Apollon') announced today that Chornyak & Associates, a Columbus-based financial planning firm, will join its growing national organization. This addition marks Apollon's expansion into Ohio and deepens its presence in the Midwest. For over 45 years, the Chornyak & Associates team has dedicated its practice to delivering thoughtful, relationship-driven, financial planning, wealth management, tax & estate planning. The team, led by Joseph A. Chornyak, Sr., CFP ®, includes 14 experienced professionals dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate life's financial decisions with clarity and care. Client assets will primarily be held in custody with Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions. 'Chornyak & Associates has built its business on trust, relationships, and sound planning,' said Michael Dolberg, Founding Partner and CEO of Apollon Wealth Management. 'They are a strong cultural fit, and we're excited to welcome them into the Apollon family.' 'We're excited to join a firm that values independence and client service as much as we do,' Chornyak said. 'Working with Apollon allows us to keep our focus on what matters most: our clients, while accessing a broader set of resources and support.' Apollon Wealth Management, LLC and its advisory affiliate Apollon Financial, collectively manage more than $9.5 billion in client assets. The firm continues to grow its national presence through partnerships with like-minded advisors committed to client-first service. To learn more about Apollon Wealth Management, visit About Apollon Wealth Management Apollon Wealth Management, LLC is a collaborative and transparent financial planning firm focused on aligning clients' goals of growing and preserving their hard-earned wealth. Apollon set out to change the retail model for investments away from a focus on products to one that is client-directed and driven by a comprehensive financial plan. With exceptional white-glove service, Apollon has created an independent organization with the sole mission of enriching the lives of others through collaborative financial planning and guidance. With passion and purpose, Apollon has created a destination platform for advisor independence built with a seamless client transition process. Driven to expand the firm's footprint, Apollon possesses an open architecture environment and a centralized back-office that unifies advisor integration, onboarding, and acquisition. Apollon has offices across the country and continues to look for strategic partners nationwide. To learn more about Apollon, visit their website at About Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions Custody, clearing and certain brokerage services are offered by Folio Investments, Inc., which conducts business as Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions (GSCS). GSCS is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and Member FINRA/MSRB/SIPC. Neither this material nor any of its contents shall constitute an offer, solicitation, or advice to buy or sell securities.