NGTL System Expansion Project (2021)
Overview
The Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) is one of North America’s most prolific natural gas production basins and is of key importance to the Canadian economy.
Given the production of natural gas in Alberta and B.C., an important requirement for WCSB producers is getting their product into other markets. To be competitive, access to markets through well-positioned pipeline assets is critical.
Natural gas producers asked us to increase natural gas transportation service on the NGTL System. To address this need, the 2021 NGTL System Expansion Project is near construction completion and now operational for all firm service contracts, with the Simonette horizontal directional drill (HDD) anticipated to be completed in Q4 2023. Beginning in northwest Alberta and along the west path of the NGTL System and southeast towards Rocky Mountain House, the 2021 NGTL System Expansion Project added approximately 344 kms (214 miles) of newly built 48-inch pipe to the NGTL System.
The pipeline sections are located starting in the County of Grande Prairie, extending through the Municipal District of Greenview No. 16, Yellowhead County, and ending in Clearwater County. Many of the pipeline sections run parallel to, and connect at, existing locations on the NGTL System.
In addition to the pipeline sections, NGTL constructed three 30-megawatt (MW) compressor station unit additions on the NGTL System at the existing Nordegg, Didsbury, and Beiseker Compressor Stations. These facilities are located in Clearwater County, Mountain View County, and Rockyview County, respectively.
The Project added multiple pipeline sections and compressor station unit additions to our existing assets in three key areas:
- Grande Prairie West Area
- Grande Prairie South Area
- Edson South Area
In total, the Project added 1.45 Bcf/d of capacity to the NGTL System, providing critical incremental capacity to our customers for the safe and reliable delivery of the energy people need, every day.
Project Implementation Change
On February 19, 2020, the CER issued a report recommending that the Governor in Council (GIC) approve the 2021 NGTL System Expansion Project. The GIC directed the CER to issue an approval the Project on October 19, 2020, and the CER issued that approval (Certificate GC-129) on October 23, 2020. NGTL progressed construction activities in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Construction and operations
With many 2021 NGTL System Expansion projects already in service and firm current contracts met, current construction focus is on the Simonette HDD river crossing and associated pipeline section.
TC Energy follows the best construction practices to ensure our pipeline and facility work meets or exceeds industry and regulatory standards for safety and reliable operation, as well as environmental guidelines and regulations. You can learn more about pipeline safety on our Safety page.
Strict adherence to construction plans and commitments in our Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) ensure that the effects of construction activities on the community and the environment are minimized. Once pipeline construction activities have been completed, the land surface is reclaimed to an equivalent land capability.
Project status and timelines
| Q3 2017 | Early engagement with Indigenous groups, landowners and stakeholders on certain project components |
| Q1 2018 |
Broad engagement on project study areas Section 52 Project Description filed to the National Energy board (NEB), now called the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) |
| Q2 2018 | Regulatory filing to the NEB, followed by regulatory review process |
| Q2 2020 | Received regulatory approval to construct |
| Q4 2020 | Began construction pursuant to Section 58 |
| Q1 2021 |
Construction activities began, pursuant to Section 52 |
| Q1 2023 |
Majority of project components in-service for firm service contracts for all project components |
| Q2 2024 |
Anticipated completion of Simonette HDD and pipe line section; all project components in-service. |
Documents and maps
The pipeline additions generally follow our existing NGTL pipeline corridors in western Alberta. Their routes add multiple pipeline sections to our existing assets along our Grande Prairie Mainline and Edson Mainline pipeline assets.
Regulatory documents
How are we regulated?
The 2021 NGTL System Expansion Project is governed according to regulations outlined by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), which replaced the National Energy Board (NEB) on August 28, 2019. For more information about the CER web site.
Project Application
If you would like to view NGTL application submissions to the CER they can be accessed on the CER’s 2021 NGTL System Expansion Project website.
If you require assistance accessing the files, you can contact our Provincial and Community Relations team at public_affairs_ca@tcenergy.com.
Plan, Profile and Book of Reference (PPBoR)
NGTL filed the Plan, Profile, and Book of Reference (PPBoR) with the CER. The PPBoR reflects engagement and feedback received on the detailed routing. All landowners affected by the Project received information on the PPBoR and had the opportunity to comment on the final route before it was approved by the CER.
For additional information, visit the CER website.
About the NGTL System
In Canada, we have a very large natural gas source known as the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) in addition to smaller natural gas sources. The NGTL System is a 25,000-km (15,000-mile) pipeline system located primarily throughout Alberta and northeast British Columbia – where the WCSB is located – and connects with other pipeline systems to deliver gas across North America.
Learn more about the NGTL System by visiting Explore Energy.
Regulatory contact
| Canada Energy Regulator (CER) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Local | 1-403-292-4800 | 1-403-292-5503 |
| Toll-Free | 1-800-899-1265 | 1-877-288-8803 |
Ways to reach us
If you have any questions about the Project, please reach out to us via the contact information below.
| Main Office | ||
|---|---|---|
|
450 – 1 St. W |
1-866-372-1601 | ngtl2021@tcenergy.com |
| Emergency Response | |
|---|---|
| Our commitment to the safety of our people, pipelines and facilities is unwavering, visit our Contact page for our complete list of emergency numbers. |
| Landowner Helpline | |
|---|---|
| A key component in maintaining the integrity of our facilities is input from all stakeholders: Indigenous communities, landowners and governments. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know. | |
|
Head Office |
1-866-372-1601 |
| Investor Relations | |
|---|---|
| We welcome inquiries from analysts, shareholders and prospective shareholders at: | |
| 1-800-361-6522 Toll-free (North America) | investor_relations@tcenergy.com |
| Media Relations | |
|---|---|
| TC Energy welcomes enquiries from media. Please direct questions to: | |
| 1-800-608-7859 Toll-free (North America) | media@tcenergy.com |