A newsprint mill in western Newfoundland will burn peat this summer as a potential source of fuel.

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper is trying to move away from burning bunker C oil, both for environmental and financial reasons. The cost of bunker fuel has nearly doubled in the past two years.

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper will burn peat this summer, in a test for a potential new energy source.
(CBC)

David MacDonald, manager of power and energy with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, said the mill is willing to give peat energy a try.

"If we can buy the peat substantially cheaper than the same energy value in oil, then we will save money," he said.

"It will make a difference in the millions of dollars, if it works — which we expect that it will."

Burning peat produces fewer greenhouse gases than burning bunker fuel.

Ontario-based Peat Resources Ltd. has been developing peat resources on Newfoundland's west coast, and is optimistic about an ongoing relationship with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper.

"In setting ourselves up in Newfoundland, we've been looking for the possibilities of local customers for the peat," said executive Peter Telford.

"Having someone like Corner Brook Pulp and Paper interested would be terrific."

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper has been exploring alternatives to oil consumption. It already burns bark, and had given serious consideration to burning used automobile tires before abandoning the plan last year.

The first shipment of peat will head to the mill's power boiler on July 9.