NEB OKs TransCanada pipeline conversion for Keystone project

DAVID EBNER
Globe and Mail
10-Feb-2007

TransCanada Corp. vaulted ahead yesterday in the race to build a new pipeline to handle additional oil sands output as it received a key regulatory approval for its proposed $2.1-billion (U.S.) Keystone pipeline.

The National Energy Board approved TransCanada's request to use a natural gas pipeline in Saskatchewan and Manitoba as part of Keystone, converting the gas link into an oil connection in an overall plan to carry crude to southern Illinois. The energy regulator said the decision was in the "public interest."

With an approval in hand, TransCanada extends its lead over rival Enbridge Inc. to build the first new pipeline to carry expected increased oil sands production.

The gas line conversion proposal was controversial among Calgary energy companies, with EnCana Corp. and Shell Canada Ltd. opposing the move, defending their interests as shippers on the gas line.

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. and Suncor Energy Inc. said the new oil line was crucial. Suncor said that if Keystone isn't ready in late 2009, as planned, "Western Canadian crude oil will be stranded in Canada" in 2010.

TransCanada also needs a general approval for the project but that is considered less contentious.

Other NEB activities with respect to various oilsands takeaway pipeline proposals:

TCPL Keystone OH-1-2007
This is the construction project, not the transfer portion referred to in this story. The project consists of 864 kilometres of existing gas transmission pipeline and the construction of approximately 371 km of new pipeline.
29-Jan-2007 Hearing Order, Schedule and Draft List of Issues
23-Feb-2007 Intervenor Application Deadline
04-Jun-2007 Oral Hearing
NEB Registry for OH-1-2007

Enbridge Gateway
18-Dec-2006 NEB advises Minister that project is on hold
27-Nov-2006 Enbridge advises NEB that project is on hold
NEB Registry for Preliminary Information Package

Enbridge Southern Lights Condensate Pipeline
15-Nov-2006 Enbridge files preliminary information package to take an existing oil pipeline out of southbound service and reverse it to transport 180,000 bpd of diluent from Chicago IL to Edmonton AB.
NEB registry for Preliminary Information Package

Enbridge Alberta Clipper
24-Oct-2006 Enbridge files preliminary information package for 1070 km new oil pipeline from Hardisty AB to US border at Gretna MB. Capacity 450,000 bpd.
NEB registry for Preliminary Information Package

Terasen Trans Mountain Expansion Projects (TMX)

TMX Anchor Loop OH-1-2006
26-Oct-2006 NEB approval of OH-1-2006
17-Feb-2006 Terasen (Trans Mountain) applied to add looping and pumps to existing Trans Mountain pipeline between Hinton AB and Rearguard BC
NEB registry for OH-1-2006

TMX Pump Station Expansion
09-Nov-2005 NEB approves application
07-May-2005 Terasen (Trans Mountain) applied to add twelve new pump stations and modify a number of existing pump stations on its Trans Mountain oil pipeline between Edmonton AB and Burnaby BC. This would add 35,000 bpd to bring pipeline capacity to 260,000 bpd.
NEB registry for Pump Station Expansion project