CER Recommends Approval of Westcoast’s Sunrise Gas Pipeline Expansion
Canada’s energy regulator has recommended approval of Westcoast Energy’s Sunrise Expansion Program, a British Columbia natural gas pipeline project aimed at increasing capacity and supporting LNG and regional demand growth.
(P&GJ) — Canada’s energy regulator has recommended federal approval of Westcoast Energy’s Sunrise Expansion Program, a natural gas pipeline project in British Columbia designed to boost capacity and support rising demand in western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
In a Recommendation Report released Jan. 30, the Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) found the project to be in the public interest and said it should receive a certificate authorizing construction and operation. The existing pipeline system is located in British Columbia, with planned project activities stretching from Chetwynd, B.C., to the Canada-U.S. border at Huntingdon/Sumas near Abbotsford.
The Sunrise Expansion Program would increase natural gas transportation capacity by approximately 17% to serve current and future demand, including volumes tied to the Woodfibre LNG export facility, which is expected to begin operations in 2027.
The project scope includes construction of 11 natural gas pipeline loops totaling about 139 kilometers (86 miles), primarily alongside existing rights-of-way, as well as two overhead power lines spanning roughly 10 kilometers to supply electricity to new electric compressor units at existing compressor stations. Facility upgrades and other related modifications are also planned.
The CER said the project would be necessary, economically feasible, and capable of being built and operated safely in accordance with regulatory and safety standards. The Commission has recommended 47 conditions covering construction, environmental monitoring, safety measures and Indigenous involvement throughout the project’s lifecycle.
The Recommendation Report has been submitted to the Government of Canada’s Governor in Council, which will make the final decision on whether to approve the project.