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With the construction of TC Energy’s Coastal GasLink pipeline over 90 per cent complete, the company is looking optimistically towards Phase 2 of the project.

“We are progressing with early consultation and engagement on what we’re referring to as Phase 2,” said Heather Desarmia, public affairs advisor with TC Energy, at the July 20 Peace River Regional District board meeting.

Contrary to rumours Desarmia has heard, Phase 2 does not involve twinning the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

“One of the hottest rumours in the Peace River Regional District right now is that we’re twinning the line. That is absolutely not.”

Rather, Phase 2 involves adding compression along the pipeline route, and by doing so, doubling the amount of natural gas that can be moved along the route from Groundbirch to Kitimat.

“We will be adding additional compression at the Wilde Lake Compressor Station, here in Groundbirch. Then we’ll also be adding an additional six compressor stations along the route, as part of Phase 2,” Desarmia said.

This additional compression would increase the final capacity of the pipeline to 4.3 billion cubic feet of gas per day, up from the initial capacity of 2.1 bcf/day.

As of the July update, there has been no decision by LNG Canada to proceed with Phase 2. However, Desarmia said that they are expecting some final investment decisions sometime during 2024.

“We are continuing to progress our Phase 1 consultation, but will be peppering in some of the Phase 2 engagement, and getting out into communities along the route as well.”

The final locations of the compressor stations will determine whether they will be electric or gas powered, Desarmia said, TC Energy acknowledges that due to the remote nature of some of the locations, electricity transmission might be an issue.

Sean Leshures, Area Manager NEBC/Coastal GasLink East, and manager of the Wilde Lake Compressor Station, said that the compressors used throughout the project are Aeroderivative LM2500+ gas turbines.

“These are the same combustion engines as on airplanes, but with the combustion section stripped down for emissions purposes,” he explained.

To date on Phase 1, 630km of pipe has been installed, and mainline welding was recently completed in Section 7, which marks the final component in mainline welding across the project. Three of the eight sections are complete, including one section in the Peace region.

“Peace region work is quickly wrapping up, and we’re nearing the final four kilometre stretch in the Merrick Mountain area,” said Desarmia.

In addition, she said Surerus Murphy has been working on hydro-testing, backfill and clean up of the right of way. Hydro-testing tests the integrity of the pipeline with pressurized water.

“We’re making strides towards completion at the end of December 2023,” Desarmia said.