Issue link: http://resourceworld.uberflip.com/i/1125235
J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 1 9 www.resourceworld.com 65 tion about supply issues at this time. What is known is that Site C's peak generating capacity should be around 1,100 mega- watts (MW) with an average generating capacity of 650 MW. Each LNG train pow- ered by electricity would take about 200 MW. "Chevron and Woodside are advanc- ing the proposed Kitimat LNG Project to meet increasing global demand for cleaner, affordable, reliable energy," said Sollid. "Canada is a leading supplier of responsi- bly-produced natural gas and Kitimat LNG is ideally positioned to deliver this cleaner energy from its Pacific coast plant site to Asian markets." Electrification would significantly lower the plant's greenhouse gas emissions pro - file and significantly increase the demand for power while meeting strict new best- in-class emissions benchmarks. But it comes at a cost, as e-drive is much more expensive than burning natural gas as originally planned. Sollid said the key areas of focus for the rest of 2019 will include finding opportu - nities to enhance the cost competitiveness of the project, advancing a "clear, stable and competitive" fiscal framework with the BC and federal governments, estab- lishing commercial agreements, and maintaining engagement and support for the project with First Nations and local communities. With the Kitimat LNG Project expected to offer 3,000-5,000 jobs during con - struction and permanent employment for another 200, both LNG projects are being welcomed by local officials. "Kitimat has lost two major indus- tries over the previous decade — a pulp and paper mill and a methanol facility," explained Josh Marsh, business and com- munications manager for the District of Kitimat. "With the current LNG Canada Project and the potential Kitimat LNG Project, we are anticipating a marginal population increase. This will add more amenities and create a larger tax base for our community. We would like to see more families make Kitimat their permanent home. But with Kitimat LNG being "sub - dued" about commenting on their project milestones, Marsh said finding the con- struction workforce for such major projects going at the same time is a concern. "They will have to be strategic in planning their construction," he said, adding that other area employers could face employee reten - tion issues as their workers leave to go and work on the LNG projects. Kitimat is no stranger to industry. Until recently the local economy was primar- ily driven by the community's largest employer, and British Columbia's only aluminum smelter, Rio Tinto BC Works, which currently employs about 1,000 people in the area. But the area is entering a period of rapid growth which provides great opportunity for investment and new businesses to establish and thrive in the community, said Marsh. "However, Kitimat's history and econ - omy were forever changed in 2018 with LNG Canada's commitment to build our nation's first LNG facility," he said. "This $40 billion project is the single largest investment in Canada's history. "LNG development will cause Kitimat's population to rapidly grow in the coming years and will provide an abundance of high-paying jobs. Beyond LNG . . . there are also several other major industrial proj - ects proposed for the community. These conditions make Kitimat a natural oppor- tunity for business and investment." But while the District of Kitimat govern- ment is a major supporter of industry, it does not do so "at any cost," said Marsh, stressing that the current LNG projects have met all environmental and public consultation standards. "Kitimat will con - tinue to support these projects in hopes of long-term prosperity for our town, region, province and country." n Artist's rendition of the Kitimat LNG Project. Source: Kitimat LNG.