Federal Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson says Ottawa has approved Enbridge Inc.’s $4-billion Sunrise project, clearing the way for a major expansion of the company’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system in British Columbia.
The project will increase transportation capacity on one of B.C.’s key natural gas transmission networks as the province prepares for rising demand linked to LNG export facilities, including Woodfibre LNG.
The approved expansion includes about 139 kilometres of new pipeline. Enbridge plans to build 11 pipeline looping segments, which will run parallel to the existing Westcoast system.
The federal government says the work will add up to 300 million cubic feet per day of transportation capacity to B.C.’s major natural gas transmission system.
That additional capacity is expected to support supply needs as new liquefied natural gas export projects come online in the province.
The Sunrise project represents a major infrastructure investment for Enbridge and for B.C.’s energy sector. By expanding the existing pipeline system through parallel looping segments, the company will increase throughput without replacing the full transmission network.
Federal officials say the added capacity will help ensure British Columbia has enough natural gas supply as demand grows from LNG facilities.
Construction on the $4-billion project is expected to begin this summer.
The approval marks a key step for Enbridge’s Sunrise expansion and for B.C.’s broader natural gas and LNG sector, with more details expected as construction timelines and project updates move forward.
