Enbridge Proposes Major Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion in New England
SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Leading energy infrastructure company Enbridge has made a new proposal to expand natural gas pipeline capacity across New England. The move is aimed at addressing rising energy demand and improving supply reliability in the region.
The project, named Project Beacon, would expand the existing Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline, which carries natural gas from northern New Jersey through New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and into Massachusetts.
The company proposes to replace some pipeline sections with larger-diameter pipes. The proposal also comprises installing parallel pipelines in certain areas and upgrading compressor stations. If required, new gas storage facilities would be added, it said.
According to Enbridge, the expansion could increase pipeline capacity by up to 10%. It is expected to become operational by late 2030, subject to customer demand and regulatory approvals.
The company said the project would help ease long-standing supply bottlenecks that often lead to winter price spikes across New England.
Regional power producers have welcomed the proposal. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s office said the state will carefully review the proposal.
However, environmental groups have raised their opposition, stating that the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure could threaten the state’s climate targets. Furthermore, the project could increase long-term costs for consumers, they said.
This is Enbridge’s second attempt to expand the system. The earlier Project Maple proposal by the company was shelved in 2023.
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