Canada’s Federal Government and the British Columbia (BC) provincial authorities have provided the Ksi Lisims LNG project with an environmental assessment certificate. 

Ksi Lisims is a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal due to be built on the north-west Pacific coast of Canada, near Gingolx, BC. 

The environmental assessment certificate paves the way for a potential final investment decision (FID), which is expected by the end of the year. 

It is being co-developed by a partnership between Western LNG, Rockies LNG and the Nisga'a First Nation, which owns the land where the terminal is to be built. 

The Ksi Lisims LNG terminal, with an anticipated capacity of 12 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), could become Canada’s second-largest LNG export facility following LNG Canada, which commenced operations this year, reported Reuters. 

Western LNG founder, president and CEO Davis Thames said: “This is a significant achievement for Ksi Lisims LNG and a testament to the strength of our innovative development model. 

“It shows what is possible when a strong partnership between co-developers is matched with one of the most environmentally advanced designs in the world. 

“Our team is now focused on turning our vision into real benefits for communities in north-west BC.” 

The LNG terminal is set to use renewable hydroelectricity and will be built on floating platforms in a remote location to reduce carbon emissions. 

However, B.C. Hydro's ability to supply the necessary renewable energy by the projected operational date in 2029 remains uncertain, reported the news agency. 

Construction of the project is expected to begin this year, if the FID is favourable. 

Rockies LNG president Charlotte Raggett said: “Ksi Lisims LNG is a game-changing opportunity for Canada: one that advances our shared goals of becoming an energy superpower, building economic resilience and keeping our industry strong for the long term. 

“The approval of this project is a defining moment: now is the time for us to come together and deliver on this vision. Our producers stand ready to seize this unique opportunity to secure the success of our sector and our country.” 

Ksi Lisims LNG is located on treaty land owned in fee simple by the Nisga’a Nation. 

Its location on the Pacific coast is said to offer logistical advantages such as reduced shipping times to Asian markets compared to those on the US Gulf Coast. 

Shell and TotalEnergies have already committed to 20-year purchase agreements with the project. 

In addition, the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline, a 900km infrastructure project, is under way to supply natural gas from north-east BC. to the Ksi Lisims site. 

Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government president Eva Clayton said: “This milestone reflects the strength of indigenous leadership and our commitment to sustainable economic self-determination. 

“Ksi Lisims LNG represents a transformational opportunity for all participating BC. nations, and it will be developed in line with our Nation's high environmental standards. 

“This is what reconciliation looks like: a modern Treaty Nation once on the sidelines of our economy, now leading a project that will help write the next chapter of a stronger, more resilient Canada.”