Woodfibre LNG is a fully permitted project based along the Sea to Sky corridor that will reduce global emissions, yet some District of Squamish Councillors and activists are trying to add last-minute roadblocks.
Woodfibre LNG is proposed on the former site of a pulp mill near Squamish, BC. Despite project approval from Squamish Nation and over a million dollars in local community grants, it’s not just business as usual. This major project has already been granted an Environmental Assessment (EA) certificate and will be a major source of job creation and significant investment in a time of economic uncertainty.
The LNG project is seeking an extension to their EA with the BC Government. But a recent 4-3 vote by the District of Squamish decided that the District wouldn’t support Woodfibre LNG’s request for a five-year extension to its licence unless the company promises to further reduce its carbon emissions. This decision is clearly a targeted attack on a project that has already gone far above the requirements for major projects in British Colombia. Even worse, this is a project that will help reduce global emissions by replacing coal and higher emission fuels.
Environmental opposition have been relentless in their attacks on industry across the country and are set on driving investment confidence away; ensuring no one invests in Canada. Woodfibre LNG is no different. The local opposition group “My Sea to Sky” doesn’t care about the positive role Canada can play to reduce global emissions. Instead they have tunnel vison on trying to stop industrial projects from happening in their back yard. It’s unlikely that we will ever change their minds about a world-class project like Woodfibre LNG, but it is important that we share the facts about the projects potential emissions.
The Truth about Woodfibre LNG’s Emissions
LNG is a huge chance for Canada to help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. Canadian natural gas exported through the Woodfibre LNG project will go to Asia where coal is the primary fuel source. When Woodfibre’s LNG displaces coal, there will be an emissions offset of 45%. That’s like taking 700,000 cars off the road or eliminating 76 years of Squamish’s emissions… every year.
The current largest industrial single facility emitter in the province produces more than 15 times the emissions of the Woodfibre facility. In fact, Woodfibre LNG’s emissions would not even place it in the top 25 largest emitters in the province.
Woodfibre’s LNG facility emissions intensity is 16% of the global average for LNG plants. If Woodfibre LNG’s annual throughput was used to generate electricity, it would result in an approximate 45% reduction in emissions compared to an equivalent amount of electricity generated by coal.
The emissions intensity of the Woodfibre LNG facility is 0.059 tCO2e/tonne LNG, which is lower than most existing LNG plants. It is also below the requirements set by BC’s GHG Industrial Reporting and Control Act.
LNG is a unique opportunity for Canadians. It offers producers an opportunity to find a fair price for natural gas in markets other than the United States. Building projects means local opportunities and long-term benefits for indigenous communities and all Canadians. Finally, these projects have the ability to not only offset coal, but higher emissions LNG from other countries.
Jack Middleton & Allie Blades
