HAISLA chief councillor Ellis Ross says he welcomes the arrival of new investors in a small liquefied natural gas (LNG) project partially owned by the Haisla called BCLNG.
"Golar LNG of Bermuda and an Asian company which will be named later both bring strong LNG experience and expertise into the project," says Chief Councillor Ellis Ross of the plan to put in place a floating LNG plant.
"They will work with us and LNG Partners of Houston to carry the project through permitting and a final investment decision later this year," he said.
"Liquefied natural gas has set us on a path to a debt-free BC by redefining the economic potential of our most promising resource while creating thousands of jobs," says BC's Minister of Energy, Mines, and Natural Gas, Rich Coleman.
"The partnership formed between the Haisla and global energy investors will ensure BCLNG is BC's first export terminal for natural gas, and the start of a new, prosperous future for our province."
As currently configured BCLNG comprises a 600,000 to 700,000 metric tonne per annum capacity liquefaction barge and other facilities. A site has been secured on the west side of the Douglas Channel.
The four parners have agreed to explore doubling the size of the project, which would be the maximum allowed under a National Energy Board export permit.
But that's subject to expansion of the Pacific Northern Gas pipeline.
"We are pleased that Golar, with 13 LNG vessels in operation worldwide and another 13 under construction, and our new Asian partner recognize the LNG export opportunity in BC and want to work with our people to bring BCLNG into operation," Ross adds.
"BCLNG means jobs, business opportunities, and a consistent, dependable revenue stream for our people," says Ross. "It and other LNG projects being proposed for our territory offer an end to poverty for the Haisla and the opportunity to stand on our own feet and full participants in the BC economy and Canadian society."