Towards Net Zero: How Woodfibre LNG is Creating One of the Lowest-Emission LNG Facilities

Woodfibre LNG is setting a new standard in minimizing environmental impact with several key milestones:

• The facility will have one of the lowest carbon intensities among LNG facilities worldwide
• With a combination of emission avoidance and  nature-based carbon offsets, Woodfibre LNG will be the first LNG export facility to achieve net zero emissions by the time we become operational in 2027.
• The Project aims to maintain net zero emissions at site during construction.
• Woodfibre LNG will be the first LNG export facility to be driven by electric compressors using renewable hydroelectricity.

At Woodfibre LNG, the journey towards lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions involves meticulous planning and continuous innovation. But what does it truly mean to reach net zero? To better understand Woodfibre LNG’s net zero initiatives, it’s essential to understand the concept of net zero emissions.

Understanding Net Zero

Simply put, net zero emissions refer to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions released and emissions absorbed or captured. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), carbon neutrality is achieved when emissions from human activities are equal to those removed from the atmosphere within a certain period of time. This is why we use the terms “net zero” or “zeroing net emissions”. Think of it like a set of scales– producing emissions tips the scales, whereas removing or offsetting the same amount of emissions can restore the balance. To maintain this equilibrium, no more GHGs can be added to the atmosphere in any given year than are taken out (via technology like carbon capture) or absorbed (from carbon sinks like trees).

Getting to net zero means some emissions may still be produced, as long as they are offset by processes that reduce greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere. For example, by planting new forests or protecting trees that would otherwise be logged. The more emissions that are produced, the more GHGs need to be removed from the atmosphere to reach net zero.

Woodfibre LNG’s Roadmap to Net Zero

In March 2023, Woodfibre LNG announced its Roadmap to Net Zero, detailing the steps to become among the lowest emission LNG facilities in the world. The roadmap outlines measures to minimize emissions footprint and reach net zero by addressing any residual emissions through local, nature-based carbon offsets. By utilizing renewable hydroelectricity and best-in-class technologies, Woodfibre LNG aims to achieve a carbon intensity of 0.04 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of LNG produced, significantly below the global industry average.

This initiative targets net zero operations by 2027, well ahead of government regulations requiring net zero, and uniquely commits to achieving net zero during the construction phase. The roadmap also aligns with the Squamish Nation Environmental Assessment Agreement, that commits Woodfibre LNG to several actions to reduce environmental impact.

Offsetting: Completing the Puzzle

While reducing and avoiding emissions is Woodfibre LNG’s primary focus, the company also offsets any remaining emissions through carbon credits. A carbon credit represents one metric ton of carbon dioxide that has been avoided, removed, or absorbed, effectively compensating for emissions produced elsewhere. These credits are typically generated by projects that enhance carbon sequestration or prevent emissions that would have otherwise occurred, such as protecting forests from logging or restoring ecosystems.

Woodfibre LNG’s Emissions Offset Strategy prioritizes investing in local, nature-based projects in British Columbia, developed in collaboration with First Nations. As part of this approach, the company has agreements to purchase carbon credits to offset emissions during the construction phase.

Forests play a key role in carbon sequestration. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their trunks, leaves, roots, and surrounding soil. By purchasing carbon credits linked to forest conservation, Woodfibre LNG helps ensure that designated areas remain protected rather than being harvested, allowing them to continue capturing and storing carbon over time.

As the company moves from construction into operations, Woodfibre LNG will continue leveraging carbon offsets while advancing new technologies and strategies to further reduce emissions at the source.

Validating Strategies with Third-Party Study-Based Insights

Woodfibre LNG partnered with Brightspot Climate to validate its carbon footprint in alignment with ISO-14067 standards. This collaboration ensures the emissions reporting meets British Columbia’s stringent requirements and utilizes IPCC standards. This validation includes emissions from various sources like combustion, flaring, venting, fugitive emissions, and energy consumption.

The validation of Woodfibre LNG’s emissions profile holds significant importance for two primary reasons. Firstly, it supports accurate and transparent reporting, crucial for regulatory compliance and maintaining public transparency. Secondly, it sets a baseline for developing targeted emission reduction initiatives that can further reduce facility emissions.

Why the Roadmap Matters

Woodfibre LNG’s Roadmap to Net Zero represents a significant milestone in the global energy transition, defining the pathway to achieve net zero emissions from the production of LNG. The company’s commitment to low-emission design ensures that not only will the facility be net zero, but its absolute emissions will be among the lowest of any LNG facility worldwide. By demonstrating that LNG production can achieve near-zero emissions, Woodfibre LNG is highlighting that targeted decarbonization at every stage of the supply chain can have a cascading global impact.

Over the coming months, we’ll explore different aspects of Woodfibre LNG’s pursuit of lower emissions and highlight some of the technologies and best practices that we’re using to become the world’s first net zero LNG facility.