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With American shale production set to decline due to economic pressures, Canada has a unique opportunity to expand its natural gas exports—but a call to action for infrastructure projects like the Sunrise Expansion Program will be key.
By Resource Works
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Once-plentiful U.S. shale gas, which has long been a cornerstone of North American energy supply, is now facing significant headwinds. Major producers have recently warned of declining production, driven by rising costs, lower investment, and depletion of existing wells. With fewer new wells being drilled, the U.S. shale industry can no longer be counted on to sustain previous production levels, creating a looming gap in North America’s energy market.
With a production plateau long predicted before a downward slope to 2050, the emerging shortfall is positive news for Canada, which is abundant in natural gas resources and well-positioned geographically and economically to step into the breach. Canada already exports approximately 8.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily to the U.S., but has the reserves and potential infrastructure capacity to substantially increase this volume.
“As U.S. shale gas enters a period of decline, Canada is poised not just to fill this emerging gap but also to become a global energy leader,” said Stewart Muir, President & CEO of Resource Works.
Projects like LNG Canada, set to begin operation in June 2025, will enable Canada to export gas not just to its traditional U.S. market but also to rapidly growing markets in Asia and Europe. Muir said that Monday’s announcement in Victoria by B.C. Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix, committing to increased provincial support for energy infrastructure development, is precisely the proactive step needed to support climate action goals, Indigenous reconciliation and citizen concerns about affordability amid tariff strife.
“Such forward-looking leadership strengthens Canada’s ability to capitalize on our abundant shale gas resources,” he said. “Now is the time for Canadians to voice their support, ensuring we seize this rare opportunity to secure our energy future.”
To fully capitalize on these opportunities, Canada must urgently invest in domestic infrastructure to expand pipeline capacity and accelerate the movement of natural gas to export terminals.
One example of how this is being addressed lies in the pipeline corridor Sunrise expansion program by Westcoast Energy.
Supporting made-in-Canada solutions
The Sunrise Expansion Program by Westcoast Energy exemplifies precisely the type of infrastructure Canada needs. This ambitious project involves constructing approximately 137 kilometres of 42-inch diameter natural gas pipeline between Chetwynd, B.C., and the Canada-U.S. border near Sumas. Enhanced pipeline capacity, new compressor units, and improved energy transmission infrastructure are critical steps towards maximizing Canada’s export potential.
However, successful development hinges on active citizen support and regulatory approval. The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is currently inviting public comments on the Sunrise Expansion Program, giving Canadians an opportunity to advocate for infrastructure crucial to national prosperity and energy security.
To lend your support to this critical infrastructure project, visit the CER’s public comment page here: CER Public Comment Link.
As U.S. shale gas production declines, Canada stands at a pivotal moment. With timely action and public support, Canada can leverage its natural gas wealth to become a global energy leader, securing long-term economic and strategic benefits.
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