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Woodfibre LNG Interconnection Project

View of Stawamus Chief and Howe-Sound
BC Hydro has been asked to supply power to Woodfibre LNG Limited's proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing and export facility near Squamish.

What's new

BC Hydro is currently undertaking studies to provide the information Woodfibre LNG needs to inform a decision to proceed. If Woodfibre LNG makes a decision to proceed, BC Hydro will initiate a project to determine a solution to meet their needs and provide information regarding the BC Hydro activities on this webpage. Information on the Woodfibre LNG project can be found at www.woodfibrelng.ca.

We've identified a multi-stage approach to supply power to Woodfibre LNG Limited's proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing and export facility near Squamish.

Stage 1: Upgrade the existing 138 kV transmission line located between Gibsons and Cheekye substations, using existing right-of-way – the land under and around our power lines – where possible.

Stage 2: Connect the Woodfibre LNG facility to the existing 500 kV transmission line adjacent to their site. A new switching station would also be built on their property.

Before we make a final decision on how we'll power Woodfibre LNG, we'll be doing additional studies and further consultation. At this time, we're waiting for authorization from Woodfibre LNG to move forward with additional studies.

BC Hydro has been asked to supply power to Woodfibre LNG Limited's proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing and export facility near Squamish.

Natural gas for the Woodfibre LNG facility will be provided by FortisBC. BC Hydro has also been asked by FortisBC to power its expanded Coquitlam compressor station.

Supplying power to the Woodfibre LNG facility will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating the use of clean electricity rather than fossil fuel to power equipment and operations.

Before we start this work, we'll complete more studies so we know exactly where the line needs to be upgraded and the types of upgrades we'll need to make. Upgrades may involve replacing existing wood poles with slightly taller wood poles or tightening the lines.

BC Hydro's ratepayers won't be paying for this work. Woodfibre LNG is responsible for all costs associated with upgrading the electricity system to connect the facility to our system.

At this time, we're waiting for authorization from Woodfibre LNG to move forward with additional studies.

Supplying power to the Woodfibre LNG facility will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating the use of clean electricity rather than fossil fuel to power equipment and operations.

We'll undertake studies in the following areas:

  • Environmental (fisheries, vegetation, wildlife, terrain, etc.)
  • Archaeological
  • Electric and magnetic fields
  • Audible noise
  • Visual aesthetics
  • Radio interference
  • Geotechnical

Keeping you informed is our priority

Thanks to all of you who have provided feedback to us so far. We'll continue to work with First Nations and local communities and update you as we plan, design and construct the project.

Reports & documents

Local Governments Presentation – March 2015 [PDF, 199 KB]

BC Hydro System near Woodfibre LNG [PDF, 1.0 MB]

Storyboards – March 2015 [PDF, 2.2 MB]

Project update – December 2015 [PDF, 140 KB]

Contact

projects@bchydro.com
604 623 4472
Toll free: 1 866 647 3334