Canada’s FortisBC brings First Nation into expansions
SUMMARY
Musqueam will have an opportunity to take an equity interest in Tilbury LNG projects. [Image: FortisBC]
By Dale LunanPOSTED IN:
Canadian gas and power utility FortisBC said August 10 it had entered into an agreement that will see the Musqueam First Nation share in the benefits of various expansion projects FortisBC is undertaking at its Tilbury LNG facility in BC’s Lower Mainland.
“A shared goal of this agreement is to develop a world-leading LNG facility that will result in beneficial outcomes for Musqueam and the region, while improving the overall quality of these projects,” FortisBC said.
The Tilbury LNG Projects agreement includes options for the Musqueam to acquire an equity ownership in the projects, including the Tilbury LNG storage expansion project and the Tilbury marine jetty project, both of which are designed to bolster FortisBC’s LNG bunkering services in the Port of Vancouver and elsewhere along the west coast.
“Musqueam is looking forward to being an equity partner with FortisBC at Tilbury, on the shore of the Fraser River, in the heart of Musqueam territory,” Musqueam chief Wayne Sparrow said. “For thousands of years, Musqueam has lived along a trading route and supported trade in the region. Through our relationship with FortisBC, we are building on this strength while being leaders in energy stability and ensuring benefits for future generations.”
The Tilbury LNG projects include a Phase 1B expansion, which will add up to 650,000 mt/yr of liquefaction capacity, and a Phase 2 expansion, which will add another 2.6mn mt/yr of liquefaction capacity and 142,400 m3 of LNG storage capacity.
The marine jetty, which would be located adjacent to the Tilbury LNG facility, would provide ship loading services for LNG, enable ship-to-ship LNG marine fuelling in the Port of Vancouver and enable bulk shipments to global LNG markets.
“Tilbury is powered by renewable hydroelectricity, which means it can produce LNG that is nearly 30% less carbon intensive than the average global LNG,” FortisBC CEO Roger Dall’Antonia said. “We value our long-term relationship with Musqueam, and I am pleased we have the opportunity to advance these projects in full partnership with Musqueam.”
