MONTRÉAL, May 8, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Gaz Métro is pleased with the application filed by Hydro-Québec Distribution today with the Régie de l'énergie, which aims to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Gaz Métro's existing plant to meet peak demand for electricity starting in winter 2018.
"This innovative solution involves allowing the TransCanada Energy (TCE) power plant in Bécancour, which has not produced electricity for several years now, to become a strategic tool for meeting the needs of Quebecers during very cold spells, by supplying it with LNG for the equivalent of approximately 100 hours a year," explained Stéphanie Trudeau, Vice President, Strategy, Communication and Sustainability at Gaz Métro. "We are pleased that natural gas that will be liquefied in our Montréal plant can play a judicious and economical role in responding to complex, occasional energy supply issues," she continued.
With this project, Gaz Métro, through its subsidiaries, would supply, build and operate an LNG storage and vaporization site close to the TCE power station in order to supply the natural gas required to generate electricity during winter peak demand periods. Gaz Métro will supply the LNG through its subsidiary Gaz Métro LNG, in which Investissement Québec is a shareholder. The construction of an additional liquefaction train is currently underway at Gaz Métro's liquefaction, storage and regasification (LSR) plant. The new LNG capacities will be available as of 2016.
"By using the existing infrastructure of the Gaz Métro LSR plant and of the TCE plant, we are making it possible to reliably and efficiently manage Hydro-Québec's electrical power demand as of winter 2018–2019—a need that has been recognized by the Régie de l'énergie," added Ms. Trudeau.
About Gaz Métro and Gaz Métro LNG
Gaz Métro LNG L.P. (Gaz Métro LNG) is a subsidiary of Gaz Métro that was created to market and sell liquefied natural gas (LNG). Investissement Québec is a shareholder of Gaz Métro LNG, with a 42% stake in the company.
With more than $6 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is a leading energy provider. It is the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec, where its network of over 10,000 km of underground pipelines serves more than 300 municipalities and more than 195,000 customers. Gaz Métro is also present in Vermont, producing electricity and distributing electricity and natural gas to meet the needs of more than 305,000 customers. Gaz Métro is actively involved in the development and operation of innovative, promising energy projects, including natural gas as fuel and liquefied natural gas as a replacement for higher emission-producing energies, the production of wind power, and the development of biomethane. Gaz Métro is a major energy sector player that takes the lead in responding to the needs of its customers, regions and municipalities, local organizations and communities while also satisfying the expectations of its Partners (Gaz Métro inc. and Valener) and employees. www.gazmetro.com
SOURCE Gaz Métro
Media : Marie-Christine Demers, Public Affairs, 514 598-3449, www.twitter.com/gazmetro, www.gazmetro.com/salledepresse
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