The Canadian Government has approved the Sunrise Expansion Program, a major natural gas infrastructure expansion project in British Columbia, Canada, led by Enbridge Inc. through its affiliate Westcoast Energy Limited Partnership (Westcoast).
The US$4 billion project will add approximately 300 MMscf/d (8.4 x 106 m3/d) of natural gas transportation capacity to the southern portion of the Westcoast pipeline system. Natural gas transported on the Westcoast system is used to heat homes, hospitals, businesses, and schools. It also supports electric power generation, industrial activity across British Columbia and global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
The project includes installation of new compressors at four existing compressor stations — Azouzetta Lake (CS-2B), 93 Mile (CS-6B), Kingsvale (CS-8A), and Othello (CS-8B). Electric-driven units will be added at three sites.
As proposed, the project includes the installation of 85 miles (137 km) of 42-inch (1066 mm) pipeline looping in various segments along the system. The pipeline loops will be added along Westcoast’s existing right-of-way. They will run parallel to and connect with the existing pipeline system.
Construction will begin in July 2026 and is expected to be in operation in 2028.
The Sunrise Expansion Program is a strategically important project for Canada’s national energy strategy because it strengthens energy security while directly enabling sustainable growth in Canada’s LNG sector. The new capacity will allow reliable gas deliverability from the Montney Basin to coastal LNG facilities without building a new greenfield trunkline, reducing cost, risk, and development timelines.
