Construction crews have begun working on a 50-kilometer liquified natural gas project that is expected to provide 2.1 million tonnes of LNG per year to Asia and other parts of the world.
The Woodfibre LNG pipeline is being built near Squamish and construction modules are being fabricated in Qingdao City, China which will then be transported to Canada upon completion.
According to Woodfibre LNG president Christine Kennedy, the pipeline will play a critical role in the world’s energy future.
“The whole world needs LNG. This project and others like it are critical for energy security in Asia and around much of the rest of the world. Achieving the energy transition will require gas to backstop renewables in providing a firm, reliable base for power for decades to come,” said Kennedy.
Fortis BC already began constructing the 50-kilometer long pipeline in August which will be used to deliver the fuel to the Squamish Compressor Station.
Much of the LNG produced by the Woodfibre project will be purchased by BP Gas Marketing – 1.95 million tonnes per year to be exact.
Workers at the Squamish site will be provided housing on a decommissioned cruise ship that will be able to house about 600 people.
The “floatel” will also include recreation, amenities and a staffed kitchen.
According to Kennedy, the Squamish Nation is the regulator of the project.
“The Squamish Nation was first to go through a full consent -based process on a project like this resulting in issuing their own environmental assessment agreement and they are a regulator on the project. That’s the first time that’s happened where a Nation is a regulator outside of the Treaty process,” said Kennedy.
Estimates claim that the LNG pipeline will lead to 100 long-term jobs and contribute at least $80 million in tax revenue.
During the construction period, it is estimated that 800 workers will be employed.
