Exxon-Mobil/Imperial Oil gains fifteen year extension to LNG export licence

Exxon Mobil/Imperial Oil have
received an extension to their
export permit for LNG shipments
from British Columbia
(map from WCC LNG website)

The proponent of an LNG export facility for Tuck Inlet north of Prince Rupert has found success in its bid to gain an extension to its original 25 year export licence.

In late July, Exxon Mobil/Imperial Oil received approval from the National Energy Board for its request to extend the WCC LNG export licence, with the NEB allowing for another 15 years to be added to the export licence, giving the energy giant a 40 year window when it comes to access  and shipment of the gas reserves of Northeastern British Columbia.

The Decision listed at the NEB website offers up one note of significant interest for Prince Rupert, with one of the background items noting that WCC LNG has the option of locating a gas liquefaction terminal in the vicinity of either Prince Rupert or Kitimat.

The increase to the export licence also requires that gas must begin the process of export by July 28 of 2026, or the licence will expire.

Terms of an extension of the Export permit for Exxon-Mobil/Imperial Oil
(from NEB website)

The Full letter of Decision from the NEB can be found here.

The City of Prince Rupert has been making use of money received from Exxon Mobil for access to the Tuck Inlet site through the city owned Legacy Corporation, with some of the money in that account directed towards the city's planning for major projects and infrastructure needs.

Exxon Mobil/Imperial Oil have proposed an export terminal for
Tuck Inlet just north of Prince Rupert
(image from the WCC LNG website)

When it comes to the proposed development for Tuck Inlet however, there been little in the way of new information as to the progress of the pre development work.

The most recent update from Exxon Mobil, that of a newsletter provided a look at the community initiatives that the company has taken through 2015 and early 2016 as it explores the North Coast.

WCC LNG also delivered its Public Consultation Report to the province's Environmental Assessment Office, you can review that document here.

More background on the proposed development can be found on our archive page here.