TransCanada announces major contract for Energy East pipeline

[Anonymous]

With the rejection of Keystone XL, the pressure is on to begin construction of Energy East. As I understand it, new NEB rules means a final ruling on this nation building piece of infrastructure will not happen until the end of 2018. The national economy could really use it the boost now. Better late than never I suppose.



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The Calgary-based company planning to build the Energy East pipeline says it has signed a provisional multimillion-dollar order for the construction of 22 modular enclosures along the pipeline route.  



TransCanada Corp. officials say their deal with ABB Canada would create 120 direct jobs in Quebec and a further 90 spinoff jobs outside the greater Montreal area.



But there's a catch: the jobs would materialize only if regulators approve the controversial pipeline project.



The proposal has run into major opposition in Quebec, with the mayors of Montreal and dozens of surrounding municipalities saying the project's environmental risks outweigh its economic benefits.



The $15.7-billion Energy East pipeline would carry a million barrels a day of western crude as far east as Saint John, N.B., to serve domestic refineries and international customers.



The project would include the existing TransCanada pipeline as far east as Montreal and would require the construction of 1,600 kilometres of new pipeline, including a long section that would run through Quebec to the south coast of New Brunswick.



If the National Energy Board gives its approval, TransCanada has said it could begin construction by 2017 or 2018. The pipeline would be ready for use by 2020.



The proposed deal with ABB Canada is to construct multiple "e-houses" along the pipeline route to supply electricity to pumping stations. The proposal calls for at least 22 prefab electrical structures to be built at a new production facility in the greater Montreal region.



"This agreement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to hire local suppliers to safely build this piece of national energy infrastructure and support job creation in Quebec," said Energy East president John Soini, in a statement.