Irving Pulp & Paper, Limited is embarking on what it describes as a “generational upgrade” for its Saint John pulp mill.

The company announced this week that it had submitted a preliminary application for the potential $1.1-billion project.

Officials say the project will boost the mill’s capacity by 66 per cent while also increasing the green energy it generates.

“These upgrades will ensure Saint John’s pulp mill continues to be at the heart of the province’s forest products supply chain, and provides a regional market for chips, bark and pulpwood,” Vice-President Mark Mosher said in a news release.

The main part of the four-year project is the construction of a new recovery boiler to replace the 1970s-era boiler.

A new turbine and green energy generator will also be installed to help decarbonize the province’s electrical grid.

In addition, technological improvements will be made to re-use water and reduce the mill’s water consumption.

Meanwhile, J.D. Irving, Limited is proposing a new wood chip production facility on the site of the Bald Mountain Rock Quarry in west Saint John.

The site, which is close to the mill, will eventually cease quarry operations as the site transitions to a wood chip facility.

Officials said that project will reduce carbon emissions and costs associated with more efficient chip deliveries.

Environmental Impact Assessments for both projects have been submitted to the province. An open house for both projects will also be held.