Project Overview

NGL Extraction and Ethylene Plant

West Coast Olefins Ltd. is developing a project to recover ethane and other natural gas liquids (NGLs) from the natural gas in the Westcoast Energy Pipeline in British Columbia. The Project will consist of two plants: an NGL Recovery Plant and an Ethylene Plant.

The NGL Recovery Plant will remove a mixture of NGLs (ethane, propane, butane and natural gas condensates), which are currently being burned and wasted, adding to atmospheric GHG emissions.
The Plant will return a lean natural gas to the Pipeline that is cleaner burning when it is used. The NGL products will be separated and sold adding value to under-utilized BC resources, and the local economy.

The Ethylene Plant will convert a majority of the ethane from the NGL Recovery Plant into ethylene product, which will be sold to third-party facilities to make polyethylene. Other products are a hydrogen-rich off gas which will be used as a local clean-burning fuel, and liquid coproducts which will be shipped and sold.

Key Milestones Achieved

Ethylene Project Description Submitted September 12, 2019

Ethylene Project Section 10 Order Received September 13, 2019

Ethylene Project Section 11 Order Received December 10, 2019

Upcoming Key Milestones

Future regulatory activities are being developed with BCEAO and BCOGC.

Critical Infrastructure & Utilities

WCOL has selected the region of Prince George as the optimum location for the Project because this region offers the following advantages:

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Access to Existing Pipeline

Access to the existing Westcoast Pipeline, eliminating the need for the construction of any new major pipeline infrastructure.

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Access to Existing

Infrastructure

Access to existing infrastructure, such as BC Hydro high voltage transmission lines, reducing additional construction or tie-in requirements and providing a supply of clean hydro-electricity to the Project.

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A Main Hub For

CN Rail

Prince George is a main hub for CN Rail, with connectivity to ports in Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Vancouver for export of products.

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Access to the

Fraser River

Access to the Fraser River to provide water requirements for the Project. For more information about water use visit the Benefits & Impacts page.

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Employment for

the Project

The regional population exceeds 100,000 and includes post secondary institutions (CNC, and UNBC, which is degree granting). This provides the employment base needed to support the Project.