Project Timing
The project must complete numerous milestones in order to bring a completed project into operation. The project will need to:
- Secure customers to ship gas and fill the pipeline.
- Fulfill regulatory requirements.
- Build the pipeline on time and on budget.
At this stage of project development, much has already been accomplished, and the project is advancing a number of technical, engineering, commercial and regulatory activities.
Securing Customers: Open Season & Commercial Developments
A key commercial milestone was the completion of the project's first open season in July 2010.
The project conducted its initial open season from May to July 2010, and completed its open season in full compliance with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations and the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA) license.
The open season attracted multiple bids from major industry players. The project has engaged in negotiations with potential shippers to resolve bid conditions with the goal of turning bids into signed precedent agreements.
Fulfilling Regulatory Requirements: Regulatory Approvals & Permitting Process
Another important near-term milestone is the project's plan to file major permitting applications in the U.S. and Canada in 2012.
In order to file permit applications with FERC and Canada's Northern Pipeline Agency (NPA) in the fourth quarter of 2012, the project is conducting extensive environmental, regulatory and land work, including extensive field studies, in both Alaska and Canada. The project is also engaging in active communications and dialogue with regulatory agencies and key external stakeholders, including Alaska Natives, First Nations and other Canadian aboriginal peoples, and communities along the pipeline route and near other project facilities.
Construction & Commissioning: Engineering & Construction Planning
While the project will not enter the construction and commissioning phase of development until a number of milestones have been achieved, the project is already advancing its engineering and construction planning efforts. The project is conducting technical and engineering studies to refine design plans for project facilities, including the natural gas transmission pipelines and the gas treatment plant. The project is also advancing pipeline technology studies to test line pipe and weld material.
Read more on project progress...