The requested variance will allow the firm to begin construction of the majority of the NMML pipeline project, which is planned to be interconnected with the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) project to provide natural gas to the proposed C$36bn ($27.25bn) Pacific NorthWest LNG facility.
Malaysian state-owned oil company Petronas is due to make investment decision for the Pacific NorthWest facility.
TransCanada said it has already secured the required primary federal and provincial approvals for the NMML project but subject to conditions including the positive final investment decision on the Pacific Northwest LNG project.
However, the firm is now seeking approval for the project construction prior to a final investment decision of the PNW LNG project.
Meanwhile, TransCanada signed 20-year contracts with 11 shippers for approximately 1.5 Bcf/d of firm service, in support of the variance for the NMML Project.
TransCanada natural gas pipelines executive vice-president and president Karl Johannson said: "This project adds significant pipeline capacity that connects new gas supplies from the prolific Montney basin to the NGTL System and will provide access to markets across North America.
"This investment further affirms our commitment to build key natural gas infrastructure in B.C. and ensures that the NGTL System can continue to efficiently and competitively meet the transportation needs of our customers.”
TransCanada plans to commence construction of the project in the first half of 2018, subject to approvals. The facilities are planned to be commissioned in phases over a two-year period starting in April 2019.
Image: TransCanada has signed contracts with shippers for approximately 1.5 Bcf/d of firm service. Photo: courtesy of supakitmod/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
