While the initial construction of TC Energy's Costal GasLink natural gas pipeline is complete, a second phase to greatly increase the pipeline's capacity is waiting in the wings.
The pipeline, which runs from Dawson Creek to Kitimat, can be upgraded by building connected compressor stations that, as the name suggests, compress the gas in the pipeline, allowing more gas to flow through the pipeline. TC Energy says it is ready to build these compressor stations, including one near 亚洲天堂 Lake, as soon as the LNG Canada export facility in Kitimat increases its capacity. These potential capacity-increasing projects are known separately as Phase 2 of each respective project.
Fran莽ois Poirier, CEO of TC Energy, said during a May 1 conference call on financial results that the company is preparing to provide LNG Canada with an estimate of its Phase 2 pipeline capabilities, as the export facility considers moving ahead with its own second phase. Approval for the pipeline鈥檚 expansion will depend on whether LNG Canada proceeds with its Phase 2 development.
"In terms of LNG to the west coast, we are optimistic about the prospects for Phase 2 of LNG Canada. But, I'll be clear that that is LNG Canada's decision," he said in the call. "Our obligation is to deliver a bona fide Class III estimate on the expansion that they will factor into their FID [Final Investment Decision], which I believe will be coming at some point in 2026.鈥�
LNG Canada did not respond to request for comment by press deadline. It's not yet confirmed when a decision will be made about Phase 2 of the LNG Canada project, although Poirier's estimate of a 2026 decision mirrors what others are predicting.
Construction on the initial phases of the pipeline and the export facility is complete but they are not fully operational yet.
There is heavy opposition in the region from environmental, Indigenous, and other groups.
Ellis Ross, the recently-elected MP for the Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding, is a Conservative who campaigned on increased economic prosperity for the region based on resource extraction and export. Ross, a former Haisla chief councillor, touted the LNG Canada project as an example of his vision for the region's economic future.
The compressor station near 亚洲天堂 Lake, if built, will create some local jobs during the construction phase, but it will only require a handful of people to maintain once built.
