Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

LNG is an acronym for liquefied natural gas.

In short, LNG is natural gas cooled to -162 degrees Celsius which condenses it into a liquid form.

Once condensed, LNG can be loaded on to specially equipped ships and transported overseas where it is re-converted to natural gas and processed for market use.

The development of this industry has many economic benefits. They include jobs and skills training for British Columbians, new economic opportunities for First Nations, as well as tax and royalty revenues for the Province.

Natural gas

Natural gas activities have been taking place in B.C. since the early 1950s.

The northeast region of the province is where most natural gas resources can be found - in areas such as the Horn River Basin, the Montney Basin, the Liard Basin and the Cordova Embayment. LNG export facilities will receive natural gas from these areas of the province.

The BC Oil and Gas Commission is an independent, single-window regulator for the natural gas industry, overseeing everything from exploration and development, to pipeline transportation and reclamation.

Once natural gas reaches and export facility it is converted into a liquid form and prepared for export.

Pipelines

There are more than 44,000 kilometers of existing pipelines in British Columbia - gathering pipelines, transmission pipelines and the pipelines that deliver natural gas to customers.

Before pipelines are built, they are subject to an environmental review and assessment. As part of this process, engagement sessions are conducted with communities and First Nations, living in or near the area where development is proposed.

Pipelines are essential infrastructure for natural gas transportation. The BC Oil and Gas Commission's regulatory authority includes oversight of pipeline construction and operation.

Natural gas will reach LNG export facilities from via connecting pipelines.

Export facilities

Once the natural gas has arrived at the coast, it is converted to liquid at the LNG export facility.

After it has been liquefied, natural gas is condensed so it takes up much less space – approximately 1/600th less than natural gas. This makes it easier and safer to transport overseas via marine vessels, built specifically for LNG shipment.

All major industrial projects, including LNG export facilities, are required to undergo an environmental assessment in British Columbia.

The Environmental Assessment Office follows a clearly defined process in the Environmental Assessment Act to conduct theses assessments. This process, including reports and details about consultations, is reported publicly on the Environmental Assessment Office’s project site.

Transportation

LNG is not transported by pipeline - it will leave B.C.’s coast on vessels built specifically to carry the cargo. Once it reaches its end destination, the LNG reheated and converted back into a gaseous state and processed for market use.

LNG transportation overseas is regulated by the Federal Government via Transport Canada.