The Ksi Lisims LNG project has secured a significant regulatory approval with the Environmental Assessment Certificate from the Government of British Columbia and a positive Decision Statement from the Government of Canada. This milestone clears the way for the project to move forward, with construction potentially beginning later this year.
The facility, a joint venture between the Nisga’a Nation, Western LNG, and Rockies LNG, is designed to be one of the world’s lowest-emission LNG export plants, powered by renewable hydroelectricity. The project’s location on floating platforms off the coast of northwest British Columbia is intended to minimize environmental impacts on land and surrounding communities.
“This approval marks an important step forward for the Ksi Lisims LNG project,” said Davis Thames, Founder, President, and CEO of Western LNG. “With the rigorous environmental review now complete, we are focused on advancing the project and delivering benefits to local communities, while maintaining the high environmental standards we’ve committed to.”
The BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) reviewed the project over the course of four years, involving more than 50 technical studies and extensive consultations with local Indigenous groups, regulators, and stakeholders. Despite some concerns raised during the review, the EAO concluded that, with the appropriate mitigation measures, the project would have no significant residual adverse effects on the environment or public health.
While the environmental review has now concluded, Eva Clayton, President of the Nisga’a Lisims Government, emphasized the importance of Indigenous involvement in the project’s development. “The approval of Ksi Lisims LNG demonstrates the strength of Indigenous leadership and our ability to ensure that development aligns with our values and environmental principles,” Clayton said. “This project will bring long-term economic benefits to our community, while respecting the land and the people who live here.”
The Ksi Lisims LNG project is set to create up to 800 jobs during the construction phase and an estimated 250 permanent jobs once operational. Local communities, including those from the Nisga’a Nation, will also see economic benefits through increased tax revenues and business opportunities.
The project’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2030 is a key component of its design. The facility will rely on BC Hydro’s renewable grid power to minimize its greenhouse gas emissions, positioning Ksi Lisims LNG as one of the lowest-emission LNG plants in the world.
The environmental approval also addresses potential concerns about the impact on local wildlife, water resources, and health services. Measures to control noise, air quality, and wildlife habitat disturbance during both the construction and operational phases have been put in place, although the project’s planners note that potential impacts on regional infrastructure and healthcare resources could require further planning.
With regulatory approval now in place, the focus shifts to the construction phase, which will begin once financing is secured and final preparations are made. The project developers have stated that they are committed to continuing engagement with local communities and stakeholders throughout this process.
As the Ksi Lisims LNG project progresses, it will serve as a key case study for how large-scale energy projects can be developed with a focus on environmental responsibility, economic benefit, and community engagement.
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