Investing.com -- Canada is on the verge of producing its first-ever liquefied natural gas (LNG) this weekend from the LNG Canada export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, according to Reuters, citing several sources familiar with the plant’s startup.
The facility began cooling down Train 1 on Monday, and barring any unforeseen difficulties, the first LNG production is expected between Saturday and Sunday, a source close to the operations said.
LNG Canada informed staff last Friday that the cooldown process for Train 1 would continue until Thursday, with extensive flaring expected during this period.
When fully operational, the facility will have the capacity to export 14 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG. However, initial operations will only utilize about 25% of the plant’s capacity, sources indicated.
The Kitimat facility represents a significant milestone as the first LNG export terminal in Canada and the first in North America with direct access to the Pacific coast. This strategic location will substantially reduce shipping times to Asian markets compared to other North American LNG export facilities.
LNG Canada confirmed to Reuters on Tuesday that the first LNG will be produced from Train 1, with initial cargo shipments expected by the middle of 2025. An LNG tanker is reportedly en route to collect the first cargo from the new plant.
This development marks an important step for Canada’s entry into the global LNG market, with several other Canadian LNG projects still in development.
