The province's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) proposal at Grassy Point near Prince Rupert has filed its export application with Canada's National Energy Board (NEB).

"Aurora LNG is moving forward with their plans to export B.C.'s natural gas to new markets overseas," said Premier Christy Clark. "This marks another step towards realizing the transformative opportunity LNG presents us. Aurora LNG's commitment to building this new industry will create jobs and economic opportunities across the province."

"Filing an application for an export license is an important step," said Kevin Reinhart, CEO of Nexen. "However, we still have a lengthy process ahead of us before final investment decisions are made. Stakeholder consultation, environmental assessments and affirmation of technical and economic feasibility are required before the project can proceed."

Aurora LNG has filed its export application just over two weeks after signing a sole proponent agreement with the Province of British Columbia. The sole-proponent agreement provides Aurora LNG with the exclusive right to pursue long-term Crown land tenure in the Grassy Point area.

As part of the sole-proponent agreement, Aurora LNG had to file for an export licence with the NEB. To date, the NEB has issued export licences to three LNG proponents in British Columbia.

"With a vast supply of natural gas and a list competitive advantages other jurisdictions can't replicate, B.C.'s LNG plans continue to gain momentum," said Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development. "We look forward to working with Aurora LNG as they advance their plans to be part of our energy future."

Aurora LNG is a joint venture by Nexen Energy ULC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, INPEX Corporation and JGC Corporation.

The NEB is an independent federal regulator of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.

Quick facts:

• To date, the NEB has issued export licences to three LNG proponents:
• A 20-year export licence was approved in February 2012 for the Douglas Channel Energy project (Texas company/Haisla Nation/Golar LNG and an investor to be named later).
• A 20-year licence was granted in October 2011 to Kitimat LNG (Apache Corp. and Chevron Canada).
• LNG Canada (Shell and co-venture partners) received an export licence in February 2013.
• In addition to Aurora LNG's export application, the NEB is currently reviewing five other licence request:
• An application by PETRONAS/Progress Energy for the Pacific NorthWest LNG proposal in Prince Rupert.
• An export application from BG Group for the Prince Rupert LNG proposal.
• A request for export for the Woodfibre LNG Project in Squamish, B.C.
• An export application for a proposal by Imperial Oil and ExxonMobil Canada. The proponents are currently assessing a site location.
• An export application by the Triton LNG Limited Partnership, a 50-50 joint-venture between AltaGas Ltd. (Altagas) and Idemitsu Canada Corporation (Idemitsu). No site has been chosen.

Learn More:

Aurora LNG export application: https://docs.neb-one.gc.ca/ll-eng/llisapi.dll?func=ll&objId=2381040&objAction=browse&viewType=1

For more about Aurora LNG's sole proponent agreement with the Province of British Columbia: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/11/agreement-reached-on-land-to-build-lng-facility-at-grassy-point.html

British Columbia's Liquefied Natural Gas Strategy: http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/LNGreport_web_130627.pdf

LNG One Year Update: http://www.gov.bc.ca/com/attachments/LNGreport_update2013_web130207.pdf

Contact:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617