Shipment opens door to B.C. becoming competitive exporter in the global marketplace
SURREY, BC, Nov. 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's liquefied natural gas (LNG) export industry recently reached a milestone with the departure of its first shipment to China in a pilot project to determine long-term feasibility. LNG was supplied by FortisBC's Tilbury facility in Delta, logistics and equipment were provided by True North Energy Corporation and CIMC ENRIC Holdings Limited, and the cargo was shipped from Vancouver.
"This pilot is a small, but significant step for B.C.'s LNG export industry," said Douglas Stout, vice-president of Market Development and External Relations, FortisBC. "At FortisBC, we are working toward changing the LNG landscape with the first of what could be many shipments from our province."
B.C.'s LNG industry has been steadily moving toward this goal and, in support of this, FortisBC has invested in expanding its Tilbury LNG storage facility and in innovative solutions to transport natural gas. True North has been exploring creative ways to bring Canadian natural gas to Asia and its market approach is key to this breakthrough. By teaming up, these made-in-B.C. solutions will provide China with more access to LNG, a clean and low-cost fossil fuel displacement for coal and diesel.
"True North Energy is pleased to work with FortisBC, a clean energy leader, and CIMC ENRIC, a global leading LNG equipment provider and active advocator of innovative LNG logistic solutions to make the first ever LNG export to Asia from Canada. LNG is a much cleaner alternative fuel than coal and diesel," said Calvin Xu, CEO of True North Energy Corporation. "By working with FortisBC and CIMC ENRIC, we will continue to develop a strong LNG market in Canada and abroad."
By next year, China is projected to become the world's second largest LNG importer. The Chinese government is stepping up its efforts in combatting air pollution and LNG imports have more than tripled in the last six years.
The country is in the midst of an ambitious effort to convert millions of homes to natural gas heaters this winter and increase the industrial use of natural gas. However, with limited reserves of its own, the country is turning to producers with abundant resources, including B.C., to deliver natural gas, which is the cleanest-burning of all fossil fuels.
"Our Government is pleased to see this pilot project launch its first shipment of LNG to China," said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. "The opportunities for good jobs as we reduce carbon emissions in the transition to cleaner fuels is just getting started."
FortisBC has been liquefying natural gas at Tilbury since 1971, when the facility opened to supplement Lower Mainland supply during the coldest winter days. More recently, thanks to FortisBC innovations, natural gas is supplied to remote communities and heavy-duty vehicle fleets. Through its world-first marine bunkering process, FortisBC can also transport LNG to fuel vessels along the West Coast. These innovations helped FortisBC develop the capability to carry out this first shipment of LNG from Canada to China.
About FortisBC
FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, propane and thermal energy solutions. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs almost 1,800 British Columbians and serves approximately 994,000 customers in 125 B.C. communities. FortisBC Energy Inc. is indirectly, wholly owned by Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates approximately 48,700 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.
About True North Energy Corporation
True North Energy Corporation is a clean energy solutions provider and market developer. We help various energy users transition to the cleaner and more sustainable energy through developing and implementing innovative CNG/LNG supply chain, technologies, and solutions. With a combined 100+ years of experience, our team of experts provides solutions for a diverse group of clients from fleets, mines, communities to oil & gas companies both domestically and internationally. We are based in Vancouver BC and have presence in China.
For further information please visit www.tnec.ca
About CIMC ENRIC Holdings Limited
CIMC ENRIC Holdings Limited (Stock code: 3899.HK), a global leading player in natural gas industry, listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The company is engaged in design, manufacturing, engineering services for a wide range of transportation, storage and processing equipment used in the energy, chemical logistic and liquid food industries. CIMC ENRIC owns world-class R&D centers with more than 20 subsidiaries in China and Europe. For further information please visit www.enricgroup.com/en/
SOURCE FortisBC
For further information: MEDIA CONTACT: Grace Pickell, Communications Manager, FortisBC, Phone: 604-328-2544, Email: [email protected], fortisbc.com, @fortisBC, 24-hour media line: 1-855-322-6397; MEDIA CONTACT: Calvin Xu, CEO, True North Energy Corporation, Phone: 778-655-0965, Email: [email protected]
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