A major expansion of Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system in northeastern B.C. is now complete and in operation.
Enbridge marked the completion of its $1.2-billion Aspen Point Program during an event Tuesday at Compressor Station 1B Wǫchiigii, south of Taylor.
The company was joined by Indigenous, community and regional leaders, project partners and employees to celebrate the milestone.
During the event, Enbridge Director of Projects and Aspen Point Program lead Dave Challoner said the project goes beyond adding new infrastructure.
“Projects like the Aspen Point Program are about more than building infrastructure. They help to strengthen energy security and affordability by connecting B.C. natural gas to growing domestic and international markets, which supports economic growth and long-term prosperity,” Challoner said.
“We’re proud to have safely delivered this project and grateful to the employees, contractors, Indigenous partners and communities whose support made it possible.”
During the event, Challoner and Doig River First Nation Councillor Starr Acko also unveiled new signage for Compressor Station 1B Wǫchiigii.
The station is the first electric-powered compressor station on the Westcoast pipeline system.
A plaque featuring the station’s Danee-zaa name was also presented to Acko.
Wǫchiigii means Peace River and was chosen by the Doig River First Nation, reflecting the partnership between the First Nation and Enbridge throughout the project.
The Aspen Point Program included the construction of two other electric-powered compressor stations, along with about 40 kilometres of powerlines to provide electricity to the facilities.
The project also involved installing about 18 kilometres of new pipeline segments along the existing Westcoast pipeline right-of-way.
Challoner said the electric-powered stations are also part of Enbridge’s efforts to reduce emissions from its operations.
“As part of our commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from our operations by 2050, we’re proud to have placed three electric-powered compressor stations into service through the Aspen Point Program,” he said.
“These facilities represent an important step in modernizing the Westcoast system, and help to reduce operational emissions while continuing to deliver the energy that people depend on every day.”
With the expansion now in operation, Enbridge says the project is adding 535 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity to the Westcoast system.
The company said the additional capacity will help meet regional demand for natural gas and support LNG exports from the West Coast.
