ATCO is celebrating a key regulatory approval on the Yellowhead Pipeline Project, moving the project closer to starting.
Read more: ATCO records another strong year
The company announced its subsidiary, Canadian Utilities, has received approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) on the need assessment application for the pipeline project.
ATCO says this marks a major milestone in the development of Alberta’s energy infrastructure.
“This Alberta Utilities Commission decision affirms the strategic importance of the Yellowhead Pipeline in supporting Alberta’s long-term energy resilience,” said Nancy Southern, ATCO chair and chief executive officer.
The need assessment application is the first of two regulatory filings that require approval from the AUC to advance the project. ATCO Energy Systems is expected to file a separate facilities application later this year to seek AUC approval for construction and operation of the physical infrastructure. They expect construction to commence in 2026.
The pipeline will stretch across 230 kilometres from the Peers area to Fort Saskatchewan. It’s expected to deliver more than 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.
According to ATCO, the project is expected to create 2,000 jobs and support an average of 12,000 jobs annually. They say it will contribute $3.9 billion annually to Alberta’s GDP once it’s operational.
Read more: ATCO adds experience to board
