A second major gas company has begun looking at Prince Rupert for the site of an LNG export terminal.
Petronas, a Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company, announced it would be conducting a feasibility study for an export terminal in Prince Rupert at the same time it announced plans to purchase Canada's Progress Energy Resources Corp. for $4.8 billion. Petronas joins the BG Group in undertaking a feasibility study for an LNG export terminal in Prince Rupert, though this time Ridley Island isn't the focal point.
"The site Petronas is looking at is on the Lelu Island industrial site, just a stone's throw from where the BG Group would set up their LNG facility," explained Prince Rupert Port Authority spokesperson Michael Gurney, adding that the port authority is excited about this development because of the Petrona's international standing in the energy industry.
"We've been looking at this for a few months, having conversation and pre-feasibility talks, and I'm pleased that we've reached the point where the company is considering a feasibility study and is releasing this good news to the public."
According to a statement from the company, in addition to a feasibility agreement being signed with the port authority, more work has been taking place behind the scenes.
"We have begun engagement with relevant authorities and First Nations, as well as community groups, and we look forward to working closely with them in the course of our site investigation," said Datuk Anuar Ahmad, Executive Vice President of the gas and power business for PETRONAS.
"A key consideration in our investigation will be understanding the environmental and social impacts as well as ascertaining technical feasibility.”