Construction
Building the World’s First Net Zero LNG Facility
Located seven kilometres southwest of the town of Squamish, the Woodfibre LNG facility is being built upon the former site of the Woodfibre pulp mill that operated for roughly a century. Only accessible by water, the site is uniquely suited as a marine export location.
The Woodfibre LNG Project
The Woodfibre LNG facility is a natural gas liquefaction and export facility, designed to produce 2.1 million tonnes of LNG (liquefied natural gas) per year for overseas markets. Canadian natural gas is in high demand in countries where coal is still a primary fuel source. Switching from coal to natural gas reduces greenhouse gas emissions by half and eliminates 99 per cent of particulate matter – very fine solid or liquid particles that can be breathed in and cause various adverse health effects.
Construction of the Project will be undertaken by Woodfibre LNG’s Engineering, Procurement, Fabrication and Construction contractor, McDermott International; construction sub-contractor, Ledcor Bird; and various sub-contractors. Early construction works began in the fall of 2023 and substantial completion of the Project is expected by 2027.
Construction will proceed in accordance with Woodfibre LNG’s three major regulatory approvals from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada; as well as federal, provincial and municipal permitting requirements.
The World’s First Net Zero LNG Facility
Woodfibre LNG has been designed to be the world’s lowest emission LNG facility and will be the world’s first net zero LNG export facility. Taking advantage of British Columbia’s renewable hydropower, and in early consultation with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Woodfibre LNG made the decision to use electric compressors to chill and condense gas to create LNG. This will be key to the facility having an emissions footprint roughly nine times lower than the global average at just 0.04 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of LNG and led to a strong foundation for the project to invest in other emissions reducing technologies.
For hard to abate emissions, Woodfibre LNG has secured nature-based carbon offsets to negate remaining GHGs and establish net zero operations. Through this process, Woodfibre LNG will be net zero through both the construction stage of the Project and operations.
Working on the Traditional Territory of the Squamish Nation
Woodfibre LNG is committed to respecting and protecting Squamish Nation territory and aligning with the Nation’s values in its operation. The first of its kind consent-based Squamish Nation Environmental Assessment Agreement was signed in 2015 to establish the Nation as formal environmental regulator. The Squamish Nation has provided meaningful feedback and imposed conditions on the development of the Woodfibre LNG project, helping to create a more sustainable, best-in-class facility.
Commitment to the Community
Woodfibre LNG’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental measures to include economic growth and social responsibility. Once in operation, Woodfibre LNG will be one of the largest employers in the region, creating 100 new, well-paying careers for local workers. The Project will also generate significant local tax revenues, which will benefit the District of Squamish, British Columbia and Canada.
As a conscientious corporate member of the community, Woodfibre LNG is committed to avoiding impacts and maximizing benefits for the community of Squamish. Since 2016, Woodfibre LNG has
invested more than $1 million into local non-profits and community organizations through its Community Partnership Program and other sponsorship opportunities, supporting a wide range of grass-roots community initiatives.
