Greenhouse gas emissions reduction in integrated, optimized natural gas transmission line systems
Gazoduq Inc.
Calgary, AB and Montreal, QC
Gazoduq will evaluate the feasibility of using electrification, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to decarbonize natural gas pipelines from Alberta to Quebec. The project will assess the feasibility of using renewable energy to power large scale electric drives for three compressors used in the transmission of natural gas. At 40 megawatts each, the electrification of compressors at this scale would be first of its kind globally. At compression stations where renewable electricity is not feasible, cogeneration (using waste heat) will be explored.
A potential application of the technology is a proposed transportation pipeline from Alberta through TC Energy's existing Canadian Mainline before connecting to a new transmission line proposed from Northern Ontario to a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Saguenay, Quebec. If proven successful, the new technology could cut up to 1.8 million tonnes of GHG emissions in Quebec by 2030.
If this approach is adopted in Alberta at six 30-megawatt compression stations, cumulative GHG reductions of approximately 440,000 tonnes of CO2e could be achieved by 2030. If rollout of the technology is expanded to 26 units as expected, a cumulative reduction of 6.7 million tonnes can be achieved by 2040.
The proposed transportation pipeline would allow for the export of approximately 1.6 billion standard cubic feet per day (scf/day) of Alberta natural gas. The project could also provide an opportunity to deliver natural gas to remote communities along the route, with the participation of local distributers, and allow Alberta to export its natural gas to European and Asian markets, expanding economic opportunities for the natural gas sector and replacing more polluting forms of energy such as coal.
The project is also expected to result in capacity building for Universal Pegasus International's Alberta office, leading to increased job creation in the Alberta construction sector if the approach is adopted in-province.