Project Update: Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) Pipeline Clears Key Regulatory Hurdle
The British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has confirmed that the 750-kilometre Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline retains its environmental certificate, clearing the way for construction to continue. The pipeline is designed to supply ~2 Bcf/d of natural gas from northeastern B.C. to the Ksi Lisims LNG export terminal proposed near Pearse Island on the West Coast.
- Developer: Western LNG and Nisga’a Nation (co-owners of both PRGT and Ksi Lisims LNG)
- Original Approval: 2014 (for Petronas’ canceled Pacific NorthWest LNG project)
- Ownership Change: Acquired and rerouted by Western LNG/Nisga’a in 2024
- Construction Status: 42 km of ROW cleared, 9 bridges and 47 km of roads built
- CapEx to Date: $584 million ($70 million in last year)
- Support/Opposition: 15/20 First Nations agreements signed; Gitanyow and others remain opposed
🧭 Strategic Context:
The pipeline is essential to the proposed 12 Mtpa floating LNG terminal, which still awaits full environmental approvals. The regulatory confirmation safeguards PRGT’s future and signals progress in enabling Canadian LNG exports from B.C.
🔥 Why It Matters:
- Gas Supply Chain: PRGT reactivates long-dormant infrastructure for LNG exports, supporting natural gas demand from Asia.
- Indigenous Ownership: Ksi Lisims and PRGT represent a growing model of Indigenous equity in energy megaprojects.
- Market Timing: Amid evolving LNG dynamics, this project could help Canada secure a foothold in global LNG markets despite challenges in Quebec and elsewhere.
- Regulatory Precedent: The EAO’s ruling on what constitutes a “substantial start” could set an important benchmark for other long-delayed energy infrastructure.
