Big challenges--- boils down to cost.
One Comment:"The LNG terminal does not need hydropower, consumers do. This Terminal could build its own power plant burning Natural gas for power. The LNG terminal is being built for that very purpose, to export LNG supplying power plants around the world".
What about supplying clean natural gas? But then have to build a large carbon capture facility in BC as most of natural gas will come from north eastern BC. Montney are. Petronas, which is a partner in LNG Canada , holds a huge land position and proven reserves.
I guess it all comes down to economics.
However electricity remains an option:-"The key part of B.C.'s grid plan for LNG Canada is the C$3 billion expansion of a northwest transmission line. Building it would take up to 10 years because of the need for agreement with First Nations and permitting", BC Hydro CEO Chris O'Riley said.
From Oceanic's MD&A, (and I still wonder why Northland gave back the development rights)--
BC Hydro's statement is mirrored by comments made years earlier by Mike O'Conner CEO -Oceanic.
"The wind resource in Hecate Strait is located in the northwest region of BC, a unique part of the province serviced by one 600km long HVAC transmission line with a finite capacity. Additional electrical power for this part of the province must be provided locally or via a new multi-billion-dollar transmission line that would take up to a decade to approve and complete. Providing electrical power locally is by far the most practical and cost-effective alternative for the fast growing commercial and industrial demand in the region. NORTHLAND'S wind project is the only large-scale project in the region that can meet the demand for power:
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Add into the mix, large green hydrogen projects being considered near Prince Rupert. Pattern Energy, etc.
BC Hydro now plans to acquire new sources of clean, renewable electricity, including wind and solar. They would be integrated into the existing system of hydro-electrical dams, which would act as water-storing ‘batteries.’ This system would allow BC Hydro to ramp production up or down almost instantly, providing a reliable back up for when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing.
So below is where 1000MW is mentioned that is mrequired for a hydrogen plant
Billionaire Andrew Forrest, who founded FFI and is currently executive chairman at parent company Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), recently traveled to Prince George to announce the project proposal.
“[Prince George has] got clean air. It’s got heaps of water. It’s got heaps of electricity,” said Forrest. “It’s got everything going for it, and so this first 1,000 MW facility sounds really big, but it’s a stepping stone to what could be built out here in this beautiful part of the world.” (PV Magazine Sept. 25/.23)
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The new transmission line to the north coast will be 1000MW. Barely enough to supply one small green hydrogen facility, and BC Hydro still wants to electrify LNG? Maybe the wind proposal as some merit !
Amazing how it would sound. "LNG plant powered by wind, a first in the world." Backed-up up on occasion by natural gas already at the site, rather than precious hydro.