British Columbia to develop liquefied natural gas industry
By Contributor
A liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry and jobs could be created in B.C. by 2015, starting with the Kitimat liquefied natural gas plant.
Presently, the most advanced LNG project is the Kitimat LNG terminal proposed by Apache Canada Ltd., EOG Resources Inc, and Encana Corporation. This terminal is located on Haisla Nation territory.
Kitimat LNG and the connecting Pacific Trail Pipeline have received the required environmental approvals.
The Province continues to work with other levels of government and the project’s proponents to ensure it becomes operational.
“The Kitimat LNG facility will allow north western British Columbia to diversify its economy and open up the trade opportunities to the Asian markets,” said Tim Wall, president of Apache Canada.
Once completed, the Pacific Trail Pipeline will connect natural gas from the Western Sedimentary Basin to the Kitimat LNG facility. Natural gas liquefied at the Kitimat LNG plant would be transported by vessels to markets primarily located in the Asia Pacific Region.
These two projects are each expected to create approximately 1,500 person-years of work during construction. The export terminal will create 120-140 permanent positions once it is in operation.
In addition to these jobs, a successful LNG export operation would keep exploration and production activities moving across northeast B.C., and keep service sector workers in demand for decades.
Currently, the National Energy Board (NEB) is considering an application from Kitimat LNG for a 20-year licence to export natural gas in the form of liquefied natural gas.
If approved, it would be Canada’s first export licence for liquefied natural gas. The NEB is also currently considering an export license application for the smaller Douglas Channel partnership project.
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