NWT Natural Gas: A Local and Global Energy Solution

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June 15, 2018

The GNWT’s energy vision took centre stage this week at the Arctic Energies and Emerging Technologies Conference in Inuvik.

On Wednesday, delegates heard from ITI’s Director of Petroleum Resources Dr. Menzie McEachern on natural gas. He discussed NWT natural gas reserves, the rising global demand for natural gas and how NWT natural gas can address the challenges of high energy costs and climate while also supporting the GNWT’s vision of a lower-carbon economy.

NWT Petroleum Resources – A Path to Northern Benefits and Energy Security

Natural gas emits 25-30% less emissions than burning diesel in a power plant. It produces virtually no particulate matter, sulfur or mercury pollution and lower nitrogen oxides. Tapping into NWT reserves could reduce energy costs for NWT residents and, by reducing dependence on imported diesel and other fuels, increase energy security in NWT communities.

But NWT natural gas could also displace diesel and coal in Asia-Pacific demand markets. In fact, by 2040, natural gas is forecast to account for a quarter of global energy demand in and the second-largest fuel in the global mix after oil. 80% of the projected growth in gas demand will come from China and India where much of the gas needs to be imported.

From an economic perspective, it sets the stage for a conversation about exporting NWT gas by LNG tanker ship from the Mackenzie Delta region. Such a project would yield positive outcomes in economics, engineering, energy supply, energy cost savings, energy security, and environmental and climate change benefits.