Steelhead LNG’s development of a natural gas pipeline and ongoing gas supply discussions to support the Kwispaa LNG facility will benefit from the strategic and relationship leadership of former Terasen CEO R.L (Randy) Jespersen, who has been appointed Executive Chairman, Pipeline.
“As a respected leader in the North American energy sector, who has contributed greatly to the economic and environmental framework of Western Canada, Randy Jespersen will play a significant role in the company as we continue our quest to connect clean, low-cost Canadian natural gas with energy hungry global markets,” said Steelhead LNG CEO Nigel Kuzemko. “Randy’s Canadian energy sector and experience delivering major natural gas pipeline projects in British Columbia complements the already strong community and LNG skill base of our Leadership Team.”
Jespersen joins Steelhead LNG’s leadership team and will sit on its board of directors.
“I am very impressed by the calibre of the Steelhead LNG team and by the company’s low-cost pathway to developing the Kwispaa LNG project and pipeline that is competitive in the current market,” said Jespersen, “(as it) creates an attractive pricing opportunity for British Columbia and Alberta producers, and benefits all British Columbians, including our First Nations partners.”
Jespersen’s career began with Dome Petroleum followed by Amoco in Calgary and Houston, Texas. In 1996, he joined Terasen Inc. (now FortisBC), where he held various senior roles including Vice President, Gas Supply. Mr. Jespersen assumed the role of President and CEO of Terasen Gas in 2002 until his retirement in 2010.
During this period, the British Columbia-based gas distribution company achieved an unprecedented level of growth through corporate acquisitions and major project developments, including construction of the Southern Crossing pipeline, Whistler natural gas extension and the Mt. Hayes liquefied natural gas storage project on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
In addition to his executive appointments, Mr. Jespersen also previously served as Chair of both the Canadian Gas Association and the Western Energy Institute, as well as on the Campaign Cabinet of the United Way of the Lower Mainland and Executive Committee of the Business Council of British Columbia.
Steelhead LNG will source Canadian natural gas feedstock for the Kwispaa LNG facility from various producers in northeastern British Columbia and northwestern Alberta. Steelhead LNG is currently assessing a proposed pipeline corridor that would extend from the Chetwynd area to Williams Lake area, southwest to Powell River, across the Strait of Georgia, terminating at the Kwispaa LNG site.
Steelhead LNG anticipates making a route decision in mid-2018, following early discussions with potentially affected Indigenous communities to integrate feedback into the design.
(Steelhead LNG)
