Woodfibre LNG reached a major milestone yesterday March 10, as the facility’s liquefaction module arrived by heavy cargo. This marks the 15th of 19 modules to arrive on site.
The module weighs 10, 847 metric tonnes and is roughly the size of a football field. It will serve as the operational core of the facility. Once installed, it will cool natural gas to around -162°C, transforming it into an energy dense liquid, capable of being shipped overseas.
“The liquefaction module is the beating heart of our facility. It’s the core of how we will transform B.C. natural gas into LNG to be shipped around the world.,” said Luke Schauerte, CEO of Woodfibre LNG in a press release. “As the world’s first LNG export facility using renewable power for electric-drive liquefaction, this module represents the core of our commitment to net-zero operations and setting a new standard for LNG, both in Canada and around the world.”
It’s these electric-drive motors powered by the grid that Woodfibre says eliminates the largest operational source of greenhouse gas emissions. Other LNG projects typically use gas turbines. According to Woodfibre, the electric motors also have efficiency advantages and lower maintenance needs.
“By producing among the world’s lowest emission LNG, Woodfibre LNG is proof-positive that LNG produced off Canada’s west coast is the world’s most sustainable product offering, and that Canada is well positioned to supply export markets around the world,” said Schauerte.
According to Woodfibre, it is the first LNG facility to recognize a non-treaty Indigenous government (Squamish Nation) as a full environmental regulator.
All 19 modules are expected to be on site by this spring, with construction of the facility scheduled for completion in 2027.
