10,000 tonne module arrives at Woodfibre LNG site

Key Takeaways:

• Woodfibre LNG reached a major milestone with the arrival of its largest module which is a massive liquefaction unit weighing over 10,000 tonnes.
• The facility is designed to be the first in the world to use renewable hydro power for its cooling process instead of traditional gas turbines.
• This project is unique because it is regulated by an Indigenous government which is the Squamish Nation.

The Whole Story:

Woodfibre LNG received its 15th major module on March 11 as the liquefaction unit arrived by specialized heavy cargo vessel, marking a significant milestone toward the facility’s 2027 completion date. The module, weighing 10,847 metric tonnes and occupying roughly a football field’s footprint, is the heaviest and among the largest components of the LNG export facility.

The liquefaction module is the central component of the production process, cooling natural gas to approximately minus 162 degrees Celsius and compressing it into liquid for overseas shipment. The facility will be the world’s first LNG export facility using renewable power for electric-drive liquefaction, according to the company.

Woodfibre LNG will use Siemens electric-drive motors powered by BC Hydro’s renewable grid, eliminating the single largest operational source of greenhouse gas emissions in conventional LNG facilities, which typically rely on gas turbines operating off feed gas. The electric-drive technology also offers advantages in overall efficiency and lower maintenance needs, the company said in a news release.

“The liquefaction module is the beating heart of our facility. It’s the core of how we will transform B.C. natural gas into LNG to be shipped around the world,” said Luke Schauerte, CEO of Woodfibre LNG. “As the world’s first LNG export facility using renewable power for electric-drive liquefaction, this module represents the core of our commitment to net-zero operations and setting a new standard for LNG, both in Canada and around the world.”

All 19 modules are expected to arrive on site this spring, with construction scheduled for completion in 2027. Woodfibre LNG is regulated by the Squamish Nation, making it the first LNG project of its kind to be regulated by an Indigenous government, the company said.

“Woodfibre LNG is showing the world what’s possible in responsible LNG development,” Schauerte said. “By producing among the world’s lowest emission LNG, Woodfibre LNG is proof-positive that LNG produced off Canada’s west coast is the world’s most sustainable product offering, and that Canada is well positioned to supply export markets around the world.”