BC Hydro signs MOU to support major LNG proposal

Key Takeaways:

• BC Hydro’s MOU to supply up to 600 MW of clean electricity positions Ksi Lisims LNG to reach a final investment decision, unlocking nearly $30 billion for one of the region’s largest industrial projects.
• Twinning the North Coast Transmission Line will more than double regional power capacity, supporting growth across LNG, mining, critical minerals, ports, and tech—while being essential to serving Ksi Lisims LNG and other major customers.
• The project is expected to create ~9,700 jobs, add nearly $10B annually to GDP, generate ~$950M in public revenues, and avoid 2–3 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year, helping produce net-zero LNG by 2030.

The Whole Story:

BC Hydro has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ksi Lisims LNG to supply as much as 600 megawatts of clean electricity to a proposed floating liquefied natural gas facility on Nisga’a Treaty Lands, a move expected to unlock nearly $30 billion in investment and advance one of the largest industrial projects in the region.

The MOU clarifies how and when BC Hydro will deliver power to the facility and helps Ksi Lisims LNG move toward a final investment decision. Both projects have been identified as nationally significant by the federal government.

The deal underscores the importance of the North Coast Transmission Line, which will twin the existing 500-kilovolt transmission line running 450 kilometres from Prince George to Terrace. The expansion will more than double electricity capacity in the region to meet demand from mining, critical minerals, LNG, ports and technology sectors.

“By taking the next step in securing Ksi Lisims LNG as a major customer and moving forward with the North Coast Transmission Line, we’re delivering the clean power needed to fuel new industries, strengthen communities and create thousands of good-paying jobs,” Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, said in a statement.

Ksi Lisims LNG is required to be net-zero ready by 2030. Once connected to BC Hydro’s grid, the facility will produce LNG with net-zero emissions, giving British Columbia a competitive advantage by supplying lower-carbon energy to customers.

“This memorandum of understanding is a critical step to connecting Ksi Lisims LNG to BC Hydro’s clean electricity grid,” Eva Clayton, president of the Nisga’a Nation, said in a statement. “It gives us the clarity that we need to continue to advance our project toward producing the world’s lowest emission LNG, while reflecting the Nisga’a Nation’s commitment to development that protects our environment and creating lasting benefits for the Nisga’a Nation and other nations and communities in the region.”

The North Coast Transmission Line is expected to help power major projects that will create approximately 9,700 direct full-time jobs, contribute nearly $10 billion per year to gross domestic product and generate approximately $950 million annually in public revenues for the province and municipal governments. The project will also help prevent two to three million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of BC Hydro, said the MOU with Ksi Lisims LNG underscores the transmission line’s importance. “Ksi Lisims LNG is a significant customer, and their commitment builds on the strong interest and support we’re seeing from other customers who are also moving forward with plans to connect to the line,” Mitha said in a statement.

The next major steps for the transmission project include awarding the clearing and access contract for Phase 1, obtaining required permits and regulatory approvals, and a final investment decision by BC Hydro’s board. Construction is expected to start in summer 2026, with phased completion targeted for 2030.