Here we grow again!
Why expanding our pipeline infrastructure matters
As the need for cleaner-burning energy rapidly grows across the world, TC Energy is responding by growing our extensive network of existing pipeline infrastructure to meet demand.
Recently, TC Energy announced two new expansions on our natural gas pipeline systems to connect Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) natural gas supply to market demand and to millions of North Americans every day. Specifically, an expansion to our extensive NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) System will deliver more natural gas from the prolific WCSB to markets within Alberta, while an expansion to our ANR Pipeline (ANR) will provide a seamless path for Canadian production to access growing Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) export and other markets along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
So, why do these expansions matter?
Continuing the NGTL legacy
The NGTL System is a massive pipeline network that keeps growing and growing. Back when it started in 1957, the pipeline network was just 190 kilometres (118 mi.) long – contrasted to today where NGTL’s current length spans a whopping 25,000 km (15,000 mi.) across Alberta and northeast British Columbia.
For over 65 years, the NGTL System has safely and reliably received, gathered, transported and delivered natural gas produced in Alberta. This energy is affordable, abundant and accessible, and with future expansions to our system, natural gas from NGTL can have a greater reach to global markets with growing energy needs.
That’s why we continue to grow this system at a significant pace. Currently, we have a multi-year expansion program underway to add almost 1,000 km (621 mi.) of pipeline to move more natural gas from the WCSB to local and other North American markets, extending the reach of cleaner-burning natural gas available around-the-clock. This is important in a world with rapidly growing energy needs that will look to Canada as a supplier of choice.
Enhancing the reach of ANR
Founded in 1945 and one of North America’s largest pipeline systems, the ANR Pipeline extends approximately 10,600 miles (17,059 km) across the U.S. and delivers natural gas to cities and towns in the Midwest, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio. Since being acquired by TC Energy in 2007, we have continued to grow this system to further connect natural gas supply to market demand within the U.S.
Our new expansion of this system provides a unique opportunity to supply growing U.S. export markets along the U.S. Gulf Coast with low-cost natural gas produced throughout North America. In addition to export markets, gas will be delivered to other markets along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Delivering cleaner-burning fuel around-the-clock
Natural gas is one of the world’s cleanest and safest energy sources used to cook food and heat homes, hospitals, businesses and industries, essentially allowing us to enjoy the quality of life most North Americans experience every day. And, natural gas is considered an integral part of the clean energy future – complementing renewable energy – because it produces approximately 50% fewer Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions than coal when burned (on a lifecycle basis). In fact, the U.S. achieved a 2.9% decline in energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019—the most of any country—thanks in large part to the increasing role of natural gas in power generation, according to data published recently by the International Energy Agency.
Our expansion projects are required to transport growing production of clean Canadian natural gas to growing markets in North America. Adequate pipeline capacity to markets ensures North Americans have safe and reliable access to abundant supplies of energy to fuel their daily lives and get the best price for their natural resources, which help support communities where these projects are located.
TC Energy pipelines are built and operated within a world-class regulatory environment, and we are proud to be an industry leader in innovations applied to safety, reliability, and community engagement.