FERC approves Atlantic Sunrise expansion project

The FERC-authorised Atlantic Sunrise project will see the expansion of Williams’ existing Transco natural gas pipeline to connect abundant Marcellus gas supplies with markets in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern US.

“While we are still reviewing details of the certificate order, we are pleased FERC has approved this much needed energy infrastructure project, which will leverage existing infrastructure to help millions of Americans gain access to affordable Pennsylvania-produced natural gas,” said Rory Miller, Senior Vice President of Williams Partners’ Atlantic-Gulf operating area.

Following the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, Williams Partners anticipates construction to commence on the mainline portion of the project facilities in mid-2017. These facilities will create a path from the northern part of the Transco system to markets along the Eastern Seaboard for a portion of the project capacity. Construction on the Central Penn line – the greenfield portion of the project – is targeted to begin early in the 3Q17, which would allow the full project capacity to be placed into service in mid-2018.

“[The] Atlantic Sunrise pipeline project is a nearly $3 billion investment that will encourage continued production of natural gas in the shale regions and investment in manufacturing throughout Pennsylvania. […] This project is among the largest private investments of capital ever made in this state and will support thousands of family-sustaining jobs during construction and hundreds of long term jobs once operational,” said Gene Barr, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

Pennsylvania State University researchers forecast the project to directly and indirectly support approximately 8000 jobs during the project’s construction phase, resulting in an estimated US$1.6 billion economic impact in the project area.

The project will consist of approximately 200 miles of pipe, including approximately 185 miles of new natural gas pipeline in Pennsylvania, 11 miles of pipeline looping in Pennsylvania, 2.5 miles of pipeline replacements in Virginia and associated equipment and facilities.

The nearly US$3 billion expansion of the existing Transco natural gas pipeline is designed to increase deliveries by 1.7 billion ft³/d.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/06022017/ferc-approves-atlantic-sunrise-expansion-project/