Latest news with #CoastalGasLink
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canada can become an LNG powerhouse, but it will take innovation and determination
By Chris Cooper On a blustery afternoon last week, on the eve of Canada Day, I stood with colleagues and friends at the LNG Canada marine terminal in Kitimat, in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation, and watched with pride as the ocean carrier GasLog Glasgow departed with the first load of liquefied natural gas produced at our brand new, state-of-the art facility. This first cargo, destined for markets overseas, was a momentous occasion for our company and our five joint venture participants, local communities and First Nations. And indeed, for British Columbia and Canada. It represented the launch of a new industry in Canada, one that has already provided tens of thousands of jobs for individuals from coast to coast to coast, myriad training and employment opportunities for young workers, economic and social benefits for people and new revenues for governments. In my current and previous roles at LNG Canada, I've been fortunate to see first-hand our project's positive impacts on local businesses, public infrastructure, hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations. As someone whose career began with an apprenticeship at the age of 16, I'm especially pleased that our direct contributions to date include more than $10 million to workforce development initiatives, and another $13 million to community investments. Meanwhile, the cumulative value of LNG Canada's contracts and subcontracts to local, Indigenous and other businesses in B.C. is already approaching $6 billion. We're honoured to be at the forefront of this new industry in Canada. Of course, it hasn't always been easy. As many observers have noted, Canada's LNG opportunity might have come sooner. As an emerging industry, we've encountered numerous challenges, including periods of regulatory uncertainty. Other factors, including our country's vast geography and rugged terrain, have been met with innovation, grit and determination. The Coastal GasLink pipeline that delivers Canadian natural gas to our facility, for example, is 670 kilometres long, and was built across two mountain ranges, across difficult river crossings, over impossibly steep slopes and through avalanche territory. A showcase in collaboration, Coastal GasLink will also transport gas to our neighbours at Cedar LNG, a Haisla-led and majority-owned LNG project now under development just down the road from us. Standing on the jetty last week, watching the first cargo leave, I was reminded that LNG Canada was barely a year into construction when suddenly faced with an unprecedented global pandemic that stretched supply chains, impacted workers and tested capacities. LNG Canada and its valued contractors persevered as a team, and got the job done as a team, safely. Let's be clear: Whatever challenges we have faced or may face in the future, we should not forget the natural advantages we enjoy here in Canada. Designed to produce 14 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in its initial phase, LNG Canada benefits greatly from our access to abundant, low-cost natural gas from British Columbia's vast resources; a cool northern climate that optimizes production; a deep water harbour that is ice-free all year; and a shipping distance to markets in Asia that is 50 per cent shorter than from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and avoids the Panama Canal. Add to this a highly skilled and growing workforce, and an innovative plant design that incorporates aero-derivative gas turbines and receives auxiliary electric power from BC Hydro, and we have a recipe for success. Our day has arrived, and in many respects, the timing could not be better. The world is hungry for reliable supplies of high quality, responsibly-produced lower carbon energy. Countries around the world want to decarbonize their economies, and they are looking to LNG to help them in their transition. Canada is a respected and stable exporting nation, a good trading partner and a strong alternative to countries with less predictable leadership. From a Canadian perspective, our nascent LNG industry adds much needed diversity to our export markets. We are also demonstrating — again at a time when it's really needed — that British Columbians and Canadians are capable of building big things. And we're capable of doing even more, with more LNG projects in B.C. on the way, and with LNG Canada's Phase 2 expansion that's now under consideration. We see an opportunity to build on our early Phase 1 successes and the benefits it's already providing First Nations, communities, British Columbians and Canadians. Phase 2 would potentially double our production capacity to 28 mtpa, making LNG Canada one of the world's largest LNG export facilities by volume. A final investment decision will take into account factors such as overall competitiveness, affordability, pace, future greenhouse gas emissions and stakeholder needs. Our goal is to continue to design, build and operate a world-class facility at scale. With this trajectory and in continued collaboration with industry colleagues, governments, Canadian crafts and trades, local communities and First Nations, Canada has an exceptionally strong opportunity to become a top-five LNG exporting country. And that would go a long way to help Canada achieve an even more ambitious but attainable goal: to become a world energy superpower. Chris Cooper is chief executive of is LNG Canada Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Calgary Herald
03-07-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
How does Canada's burgeoning LNG industry measure up to its ambitions?
Article content 'But up until now, the bulk of LNG development has actually been more by large international players like Shell,' said Ian Archer, associate director, North America Natural Gas at S&P Global Inc. Article content The LNG Canada venture is jointly owned by five international oil and gas companies: British multinational Shell PLC (40 per cent), Malaysia's state-owned Petronas (25 per cent), state-owned PetroChina Company Ltd. (15 per cent), Japan's publicly traded Mitsubishi Corp. (15 per cent) and South Korea's state-owned Korea Gas Corp., or Kogas (five per cent). Article content Located about 650 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, the LNG Canada Kitimat terminal represents the 'largest single private sector investment in the history of the country,' according to the federal government. Article content The project's $40 billion price tag includes $18 billion for the Kitimat facility and the $14.5 billion for the Coastal GasLink pipeline, which is operated by Calgary-based TC Energy Corp. and transports natural gas from Dawson Creek in the B.C. interior to Kitimat. Article content Article content Canada is currently the world's fifth-largest producer of natural gas, according to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and the fourth-largest exporter, according to Reuters. Article content Canada has some of the 'largest and most productive' natural gas deposits in the world, according to Natural Resources Canada, with about 44 trillion cubic metres (1,566 trillion cubic feet) in marketable natural gas resources. At the current rate of production, that's about 300 years' worth of natural gas. Article content Archer said the biggest growing markets for natural gas are China, India and a range of smaller countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam. Europe is another big market as several countries look to transition away from importing gas from Russia due to the war in Ukraine. Article content 'But most of the growth is expected to be in Asia and that's why West Coast LNG looks particularly appealing, because the market is literally just across the Pacific,' said Archer. Article content Article content Archer said LNG is a niche but growing market, and a globally competitive one. But when it comes to geography, Canada has a big advantage over the United States. It takes about 10 shipping days to reach Asia from Canada's west coast, compared to 20 days for LNG shipments coming from the U.S. Gulf Coast. Article content B.C. Premier David Eby said the LNG Canada project will increase Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.4 per cent, while TC Energy chief executive Francois Poirier told the Financial Post earlier this year that LNG shipments could boost Canada's GDP by up to $75 billion annually. Article content LNG Canada is currently considering expanding the Kitimat facility, which would double its export capacity from 14 million to 28 million tonnes per year. Article content Cedar LNG, a floating liquefaction and export facility toted as the world's first Indigenous majority-owned LNG project, is currently under construction in Kitimat and expected be in service in late 2028. The project is co-owned by the Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline Corp.
Vancouver Sun
27-06-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Kitimat's LNG Canada set to make its first shipment: Here's what to know
The first phase of Kitimat's $40 billion LNG Canada export terminal marks the completion of its first production run, with its first shipment of natural gas expected in the coming days. A decade after the project first received regulatory approval, Premier David Eby said Wednesday the shipment heralds the largest private sector investment in B.C. history. 'It will result in a 0.4 per cent increase in the nation's GDP, just this project alone. It will bring billions of dollars in benefits to British Columbia and to the nation,' he said in Vancouver. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The project has been touted by the government and the industry as a way to support rural communities in northeastern B.C. and northwestern Alberta through the development of the Montney formation, which is estimated to hold roughly 90 billion barrels worth of natural gas, and reduce global emissions for countries reliant on coal. LNG Canada and its supply pipeline, Coastal GasLink, have been opposed by environmental advocates and some First Nations who argue the fracking needed to develop natural gas releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent that carbon dioxide. Here are five things you need to know: LNG Canada announced its first production of LNG on Monday and the Gitxaała Territorial Management Agency told CFNR Network that the first shipment is expected to transit through their territory in the coming days. The project is expected to export 14 million tonnes of natural gas annually, with the potential for export levels of up to 28 million tonnes each year if Phase 2 of LNG Canada goes ahead. The shipments are primarily to Japan and South Korea, but could also be sent to Vietnam and China. 'The benefit for the Northwest and for the province is significant,' Energy Minister Adrian Dix said. 'I think British Columbia has a great story to tell on the quality of our product on emissions, on the value of our natural gas and I think that puts us in a good position.' B.C. estimates that LNG Canada could be $575 million annually for 40 years, for a total of as much as $23 billion. The site as it exists now will sustain 300 permanent jobs, mostly residents from Kitimat and the surrounding area. Phil Germuth, mayor of Kitimat, said the second phase of LNG Canada could create an additional 100 to 150 jobs. 'This project has really put Kitimat on the map,' he said. 'We're looking for other opportunities, whatever that may be. I think we clearly have a new federal government now that's really wanting to capitalize on our resources. So we hope to be a part of that.' The second phase of LNG Canada is awaiting a final investment decision from the consortium of Shell, Petronas PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation and the Korea Gas Corp that owns the project. The project has received all necessary federal and provincial permitting and approvals. The remaining issue is whether there will be enough demand for the expansion and if it's financially viable as the global supply of LNG is rapidly increasing with countries such as Qatar and the U.S. building their supply. Clark Williams-Derry, an energy finance analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, said there is a 'glut' in the market that makes it difficult for companies invested in LNG Canada to make money on new projects. He also said that Canada getting into the LNG market could lead to spikes in local prices as demand increases. 'You may have a case where Shell is losing money, and consumers are paying higher prices, and the only people who are making any benefit are the royalties that go to the government,' he said. There are five LNG projects in B.C. at various stages of development, with LNG Canada the largest and closest to being in operation. The others include the Ksi Lisims LNG project, a partnership between the Nisga'a First Nation and Western LNG, Woodfibre LNG near Squamish and Cedar LNG, majority owned by the Haisla First Nation. The final project is the second expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility in Delta owned by FortisBC. The LNG projects are expected to produce 47.5 million tonnes annually and the government projects that before all the projects are completed, natural gas revenues could double to $1.4 billion by 2027. Dix said LNG Canada's product is less carbon intensive than its competitors, adding it will release 0.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per ton of LNG, compared to the international average of 1.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Green interim leader Jeremy Valeriote said the problem is there is no data on how much methane could be released into the atmosphere from LNG Canada and there is very little discussion of the potential health impacts of flaring, including respiratory diseases. Valeriote said B.C. claims to have a study proving that LNG is better than using coal, but government has yet to produce it. 'Replacing coal with LNG is like replacing smoking with vaping,' he said. 'We don't really know the effects to overall health, but it's only a tiny, tiny degree of better, and it still has the same detrimental effects.' Williams-Derry also said there is evidence showing that LNG isn't working to replace coal in countries such as China and India, with gas providing only three per cent of their power for much of the last 10 years.
Vancouver Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
How the Haisla Nation became a model for Indigenous-led economic development
Chief Crystal Smith has been at the forefront of the Haisla Nation's transformation into a driving force in Canada's LNG sector. The First Nation, which is governed from Kitamaat Village in the northern coastal area of British Columbia, believes 'careful and appropriate economic development will bring our people necessary self-sufficiency,' according to their website. They have partnered with natural gas companies and now own a majority stake in Cedar LNG, a floating liquefied natural gas export facility that is being built off the North Coast. It will accept natural gas coming from the main Coastal GasLink pipeline and liquefy approximately 3.3 million tonnes per year for export to Asia. Smith spoke with National Post about what economic self-determination means, how the First Nation balances growth with cultural preservation, and what others can learn from their experience. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Our involvement in economic development started with a desire to no longer sit on the sidelines. Historically, major projects like aluminum smelters, pulp mills, and methanol facilities were built in our territory without our say — or benefit. We watched as others gained generational wealth while our people lived in poverty. Thanks to leadership like Ellis Ross, we began learning everything about Aboriginal rights and title to leverage that knowledge. When I joined leadership in 2013, we focused on identifying acceptable projects. LNG emerged as the most vital opportunity, and our partnership with LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink was the beginning of something meaningful. It evolved into our own project — Cedar LNG — giving us not just participation but ownership. Success is having a strong, independent nation with people who are mentally and spiritually strong — and who have opportunity. Since 2015, revenues from industry have helped us invest in healing from generational trauma and, perhaps most importantly, in revitalizing our culture and language. One of the biggest was our use of Aboriginal rights and title case law. It gave us the legal grounding to protect our rights and assert our place in decision-making. We also built strong partnerships — not just with companies, but internally, by involving our own people with the technical expertise to evaluate projects on our terms. Our people are always thinking seven generations ahead. Environmental concerns were top of mind. We hosted countless information sessions and brought in third-party experts — but what really mattered was having our own Haisla people, like Candice Wilson with a Masters in Environmental Sciences, review and explain the information in a way our members could trust. In many ways. One of our proudest achievements is investing $5 million of our own-source revenue into a cultural and language department — the first of its kind for us. It employs 20 people who document and teach our culture. My twin sister is one of them, and hearing her sing in our language to our grandsons makes this work worth it. We've also built a 23-unit apartment complex for affordable housing, opened our first proper youth centre, and created fully funded elder programs — all without having to follow external government rules that don't reflect our people's needs. One of the most difficult times was during the Coastal GasLink protests in 2019. There was a widespread perception that all Indigenous communities opposed the project. As one of the nations that supported it, we faced heavy criticism. I was personally targeted, and our community was labelled as 'sellouts' or 'colonized' for supporting economic development. That backlash was deeply felt, especially during events like our basketball tournament, where we invite surrounding communities to come out and play. Our members encountered tension from other communities, but it brought us closer together. We leaned on each other, stayed focused on our long-term vision, and reminded ourselves — and others — that this was about our people, our culture, and our future. Communication. We kept information flowing, held open discussions, and ensured people understood this wasn't just about jobs at LNG plants. It was about choice. Revenues that gave us the freedom to support all kinds of aspirations — whether someone wants to be a tradesperson, a teacher, or a yoga instructor. When Indigenous communities are included in economic development, the whole region prospers. What we've done here in Kitimat has created jobs not just for our people, but for everyone. I often get calls from non-Indigenous residents thanking us for the work we've done in LNG. When our people succeed, everyone benefits. Indigenous communities know their land, their people, and their priorities. When we lead, we ensure projects are done responsibly, and with long-term vision. Respect our ability to lead. Too often, policies treat us like we need to be managed. Give us the room to shape our future on our own terms — because we're doing it, and it's working. This is the latest in a National Post series on How Canada Wins. Read earlier instalments here. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Calgary Herald
14-06-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
How the Haisla Nation became a model for Indigenous-led economic development
Article content Chief Crystal Smith has been at the forefront of the Haisla Nation's transformation into a driving force in Canada's LNG sector. The First Nation, which is governed from Kitamaat Village in the northern coastal area of British Columbia, believes 'careful and appropriate economic development will bring our people necessary self-sufficiency,' according to their website. They have partnered with natural gas companies and now own a majority stake in Cedar LNG, a floating liquefied natural gas export facility that is being built off the North Coast. It will accept natural gas coming from the main Coastal GasLink pipeline and liquefy approximately 3.3 million tonnes per year for export to Asia. Smith spoke with National Post about what economic self-determination means, how the First Nation balances growth with cultural preservation, and what others can learn from their experience. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length. Article content Article content Article content Article content Our involvement in economic development started with a desire to no longer sit on the sidelines. Historically, major projects like aluminum smelters, pulp mills, and methanol facilities were built in our territory without our say — or benefit. We watched as others gained generational wealth while our people lived in poverty. Article content Thanks to leadership like Ellis Ross, we began learning everything about Aboriginal rights and title to leverage that knowledge. When I joined leadership in 2013, we focused on identifying acceptable projects. LNG emerged as the most vital opportunity, and our partnership with LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink was the beginning of something meaningful. It evolved into our own project — Cedar LNG — giving us not just participation but ownership. Article content Article content What does 'success' mean to you and your community — economically, socially, and culturally? Article content Success is having a strong, independent nation with people who are mentally and spiritually strong — and who have opportunity. Since 2015, revenues from industry have helped us invest in healing from generational trauma and, perhaps most importantly, in revitalizing our culture and language. Article content One of the biggest was our use of Aboriginal rights and title case law. It gave us the legal grounding to protect our rights and assert our place in decision-making. We also built strong partnerships — not just with companies, but internally, by involving our own people with the technical expertise to evaluate projects on our terms.
