Liquefied Natural Gas, or LNG, is natural gas in a liquid state. The liquefaction process occurs when the gas is cooled to -162 degrees Celsius, shrinking the volume of the gas by more than 600 times.
LNG is not stored under pressure. It is cooled, stored and transported at atmospheric pressure. That means, LNG is not explosive. This allows natural gas to be shipped safely.
Once the LNG arrives at its delivery destination, it is warmed back to its original gaseous state and sent through pipelines to be used for a range of purposes such as heating and cooling homes, generating electricity, and fuelling heavy-duty vehicles
LNG produced by Woodfibre has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing coal in the production of electricity in Asia. Directly replacing coal-powered electricity with natural gas from Woodfibre LNG’s facility provides a 45% reduction in GHG emissions in the production of the same amount of electricity.
While LNG’s carbon advantage over other fossil fuels such as coal is well known, what is less known is how Woodfibre’s facility compares to other LNG production facilities. Woodfibre’s facility compares favourably to other LNG facilities both in B.C. and globally, operating at a lower emissions intensity and providing a distinct advantage in producing less emission-intensive LNG. The Woodfibre facility is a relatively small contributor to emissions in BC compared to other forms of heavy industry. Once operating, it would not rank in the top 25 largest emitters in the province. Woodfibre’s LNG facility delivers LNG at a lower emissions intensity than other comparable facilities, and by displacing coal, can reduce GHG emissions in other countries.
LNG has the best safety record of any cargo at sea, having been shipped around the world for 60 years without a single loss of containment.
For more information on LNG safety check out these websites:Â www.clearseas.org and www.bclng.ca/safety
LNG is transported to international markets by insulated, double-hulled ships that carry LNG. LNG carriers have double hulls and primary and secondary cargo containment systems. Proven on-board safety systems include gas detection and low temperature monitoring, heat and fire detection, and emergency response systems. Other standard navigation safety features include global positioning equipment, global maritime distress systems, and ship-to-shore communications.
LNG has one of the best shipping record of any industry, with over 60 years without any significant incident resulting in a loss of cargo at sea or in port. LNG tankers on their way to and from the Woodfibre site will be accompanied by two tugs, and will travel at 15kms/hr (8 knots). That will be much slower than a BC Ferry, which travels at 20 knots.
There is a tremendous opportunity for natural gas from B.C., exported as LNG, to make a global contribution while benefitting First Nations, British Columbians and Canadians here at home. We have a wealth of natural resources that the world needs and we have the ability to develop these resources in a sustainable manner, provide jobs and economic opportunity for the Province, and deliver products to the world that have the lowest carbon intensity.
Canada currently has only one customer for our abundance of clean natural gas: the U.S. Over the past 10 years, the U.S. has aggressively pursued its own natural gas development as part of their energy independence goals. As a result, our product is in less demand and fetching a lower price. The ability to send Canadian natural gas to overseas markets would mean new investment and opportunity for Canadians, as well as the ability to contribute to a reduction in global GHGs.
Woodfibre LNG will be shipping clean Canadian LNG to Asia where demand for natural gas is expected to increase 3.6% each year to 2035.
Woodfibre is a project that always puts community first – and we are proud to continue to invest in the community and in our Squamish Nation partners. Since 2013, we have contributed over $3 million to the Squamish community in taxes and contributions, approximately $10 million in contracts to Squamish Nation business partners, over $13 million in the cleanup and remediation of the Woodfibre site, and are pleased to have contributed over $1 million to local charities and groups.
Woodfibre LNG will be one of the few hydroelectric powered LNG facilities in the world, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 80%. The decision to power the facility with electricity from BC Hydro instead of natural gas was in response to community and local First Nations concerns over air quality (May, 2014). We were the first LNG facility in B.C. to make that commitment, it set a new standard for the industry, and now others are following suit.
The vast majority would be housed on the Floatel. Some may be local and want to live with their families while they work. Others may be transitioning on or off site and need a very short term housing solution, which could be met with local hotels. We are keeping all options open, and this amendment adds another option for us.
We are continuing to consult with local government and directly impacted groups on those details. We’d be curious to hear what members of the public have to say and invite them to contact us via email: [email protected]
We are regulated by the Canadian Government, the B.C. government and the Squamish Nation. We are the first industrial project in Canada to be regulated by and receive an environmental approval from First Nations, in the absence of a treaty.
