Malahat Nation and Steelhead LNG announced they are no longer exploring the proposed Malahat LNG project on the Malahat Nation-owned Bamberton Industrial Lands. The project as proposed would have included floating liquefaction facilities (with up to 6 mtpa capacity) moored to the shoreline and supporting land-based facilities.
Another Proposed Canadian LNG Export Project Pulls the Plug
Steelhead LNG made the decision “after careful consideration and based on several factors as we look to develop a project that delivers low-cost LNG that is globally competitive,” the joint owners said in a statement.
Malahat Nation and Steelhead LNG have been exploring the project together for nearly two years, conducting environmental studies, engaging local First Nations and communities, and undertaking engineering work.
Another Proposed Canadian LNG Project Pulls the Plug
Steelhead LNG said that Malahat members had contributed more than 2,200 hours of work as Field Assistants on the early environmental studies. The information and data that we collected together has provided a better understanding of the Bamberton Lands and surrounding areas.
Steelhead LNG said in the statement it is continuing to explore the 24 MTPA Kwispaa LNG project, formerly Sarita LNG. The project is located southwest of Port Alberni.
The project changed its name to the First Nations’ cultural name Kwispaa LNG on Nov. 30.
“The traditional name reflects Huu-ay-aht’s elders and its rich history and connection to the land and territory, as well as its stake in this project. Keeping in line with the co-management and in the spirit of reconciliation, Steelhead LNG agreed to change the name of the project,” an announcement from the Huu-ay-aht First Nations said.
“The European name has colonial association and reflects an era of assimilation and negative impacts on Huu-ay-aht’s culture and community,” the Huu-ay-aht First Nations said in an announcement. “Naming the project after the site’s traditional and true name demonstrates Steelhead LNG’s commitment to reconciliation, co-management, and their strong relationship with Huu-ay-aht as the Nation and Steelhead develop the project together.”
Steelhead is a Vancouver based energy and LNG developer.
One of the project’s opponents in British Columbia said on a blog post: “For 27 months the threat of a floating LNG plant hung over the Saanich Inlet. Despite the project’s implausibility from the moment it was conceived, only this [cancellation announcement] would give me comfort.”
