TransCanada pre-files with FERC

The Fairbanks News-Miner carried this:(LINK).

TransCanada vice president Tony Palmer said he has been talking with FERC and the pre-filed application comes about two years earlier than originally anticipated.

“Initiating the pre-file processes now will enhance the exchange of information between FERC staff and also assist with coordination of the agency activities for this important project,” Palmer said.

Drue Pearce, the federal coordinator for the Alaska pipeline, said pre-filing for a certificate of public convenience and necessity brings the public in from the start and puts environmental reviews into motion quickly. The pre-filing also results in a docket and regulators for the project

TransCanada's competitor, the Denali Pipeline received permission from FERC to pre-file almost nine months earlier (link).

Both competitors are still planning for an open season in 2010.

Exxon Drilling for Gas at Point Thomson

The Alaska Gas Pipeline news has been sparse here lately. Here's one bright spot. ExoonMobil is busy up at Pt. Thomson.

From the press release (LINK):

Craig Haymes, Alaska production manager for ExxonMobil, said, "We are moving forward with drilling and development activities at Point Thomson, for the mutual benefit of Alaskans and the Point Thomson Unit working interest owners. DNR staff and other local, State and Federal agencies have worked tirelessly to process permits necessary to allow drilling to begin. We are on schedule to begin production at Point Thomson by year-end 2014 and look forward to working with the State to resolve the remaining Point Thomson issues to ensure the project schedule is not impacted. Construction crews recently completed the final installation of camps and support facilities at the existing gravel pad to accept the rig. Over 250 people will work on these drilling operations, with an average of over 500 people at year-end 2014, when we expect to begin production.”

Pipeline Progress Update

A good summary update from the Anchorage Daily News: (LINK)

Bechtel On Board with Denali

Engineering and Construction giant Bechtel has been awarded an engineering contract by The Alaska Gas Pipeline "Denali"

"I'm very pleased that Denali has been able to partner with Bechtel for this work,” said Kris Fuhr, Vice President and Mainline Project General Manager. “Bechtel has extensive experience designing and constructing major pipelines, including some of the world's longest. Their history and understanding of design and construction in Alaska and Canada will provide a solid foundation for the project. We are pleased to have them on the team.”

The mainline project includes the pipeline and associated compressor stations from Alaska's North Slope to Alberta, Canada.

This is probably the best news I've heard in a while. There are tons of hurdles to clear before we break ground on the gas line, but this announcement shows that the producers pipeline is bringing the best of best to the project. Bechtel is synonymous with Mega-Project engineering and construction.