Sunrise Expansion Program: Virtual Open House
This Virtual Open House offers a variety of videos, presentations and other project-focused content.
Sunrise Expansion Program
Westcoast Energy Inc. (Westcoast), an Enbridge company, owns and operates British Columbia’s major natural gas transmission system referred to as the Westcoast or BC Pipeline system.
This system transports processed natural gas to consumers throughout the province, Alberta and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
This gas is ultimately used to heat homes, businesses, hospitals and schools. It is also used as a fuel for electric power generation and is a staple in many industrial and manufacturing processes.
Following a successful open season in 2022 that resulted in requests for additional transportation capacity, Westcoast is proposing the Sunrise Expansion Program (Project), an expansion of the southern portion of the BC Pipeline system, known as T-South.
The proposed Project currently includes the installation of pipeline loops and additional compression at select existing compressor station sites. Westcoast is evaluating the use of electric-driven compressors, which would require new powerline infrastructure as well.
The Project will provide up to 300 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) of additional natural gas transportation capacity on the T-South system.
The targeted in-service date is late 2028.
Westcoast filed a regulatory application with the Canada Energy Regulator in Q2 2024. To support its application, environmental, geotechnical, and socio-economic studies are underway. These studies will help determine the specific configuration, location, and timing of any new facilities, including compressor station upgrades and pipeline loops.
We are engaging with Indigenous groups, landowners and local communities to help shape the design of the Project.
Project overview:
- Type: Natural gas pipeline expansion
- Status: Proposed
- Capacity expansion: 300 MMcf/d
- Expected to transport: Natural gas
- In-service target date: 2028
- Ownership: Enbridge Inc.
- Operator: Westcoast Energy Inc.
Project map:
(click image to enlarge project map)
Project Information:
Project Scope
Pipeline loops
A total of approximately 137 km of 42-inch pipeline looping in various segments along the system is currently anticipated in order to increase natural gas transportation capacity. The pipeline loops would be added along Westcoast’s existing right-of-way (ROW). The additional loop segments will run parallel and connect to the existing pipeline system.
Compressors and infrastructure upgrades
Westcoast plans to install new compressors at existing compressor stations located at Azouzetta Lake (CS-2B), 93 Mile (CS-6B), Kingsvale (CS-8A), and Othello (CS-8B).
To reduce environmental impacts, Westcoast is considering the use of electric-driven compressor units for some of the compression required for the Project. If electric-driven compressor units are used, the Project could prevent about 360,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions per year. That is equivalent to removing 100,000 cars off the road in a year.
To power the new electric-driven compressor units and ensure reliable operations, up to approximately 34 km of new electric transmission powerlines may be required. These overhead powerlines would largely follow existing linear infrastructure such as roads or rights-of-way to minimize environmental and local community impacts.
