Construction crews work on the 33-kilometre section of the Valhalla North Section natural gas pipeline near Grande Prairie. Photo by Supplied Photo /TC Energy

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The switch has been flipped on the Valhalla North and Berland River pipeline and power projects.

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TC Energy’s announcement was dwarfed by this week’s news of the looming Yellowhead pipeline. Still, it’s a boost to Alberta’s energy infrastructure. Together, the projects represent a $500 million investment in the company’s NGTL System and natural gas production from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB).

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Located northwest of Grande Prairie and Edson, the projects add 33 kilometres of new pipeline and a 30-megawatt electric-powered compressor station, delivering about 400 MMcf/d of “incremental capacity” while enhancing system reliability.

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A map of the company’s operations around North American show the greatest concentrations of installations and pipeline segments in Alberta, with pipelines flowing to both the Canadian and American West Coast and East Coast, as well as the Texas Gulf Coast.

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TC Energy estimates it has invested $15 billion in the NGTL System, expanding capacity, strengthening reliability and connecting growing natural gas supplies to customers and markets across North America over the past decade.

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Among the byproducts, the company cites $24 million and change awarded to local Indigenous businesses, 775 new jobs at peak construction, including nearly 100 Indigenous employees and contractors.

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Some $447,000 has been invested in local and Indigenous communities throughout project construction.

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Annual property tax revenue generated during construction is estimated at $4.4 million across Grande Prairie County, Saddle Hills County and the MD of Greenview, a boon for local services.

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Trevor Ebl, president of Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines, TC Energy, said Valhalla North and Berland River represent more than new infrastructure.

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“They reflect the commitment and expertise of our people and our continued investment in Alberta’s energy future. These projects strengthen the NGTL system and help meet growing needs of our customers by expanding the network required to move natural gas safely and reliably to market,” Ebl said.

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