KANATA Energy Group moves into northeastern B.C.

KANATA Energy Group’s site north of Fort St. John is now under construction. — Photo courtesy KANATA Energy Group

KANATA Energy Group has made its move into northeastern B.C. The company, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, calls itself a "midstream infrastructure and service company" and is funded by a group of private investors. In partnership with UGR Blair Creek Ltd., KANATA is building significant natural gas infrastructure, including a gas refrigeration plant, north of Fort St. John, B.C.

Kevin Cumming, president and CEO of KANATA, said he has long recognized the need for this type of project.

“When you take a look at northeast B.C., it really serves quite well for the existing gas that was being developed over the years but isn’t served as well for the new gas being discovered,” said Cumming. “We saw it as an opportunity, kind of a white space, that’s underserved. We decided to invest in the infrastructure and see it as a large resource that’s very scalable and allows us to grow as our customers grow in developing their assets there as well."

The project north of Fort St. John is now under construction. KANATA has all major equipment installed on site and is looking to have the plant up and running by December or January.

“The region has tremendous resource,” Cumming said. “It will be developed over time and will be developed in a very environmentally constructive manner. When you look at the benefits to the area … there is definitely going to be construction activity, fabrication of components that go into the plants here and definitely lots of opportunities for local companies to contract with.”

Cumming said KANATA uses local suppliers whenever possible, as long as they’re competitive and can operate in a safe manner. There are lots of opportunities for local businesses to take part in construction, operation and maintenance.

“When you put in a gas plant, you’re not planning on moving it in five years,” he said. “These are long-life projects that will last for 20-plus years and require a lot of maintenance and upgrading. That’s one thing that really attracted us to B.C. It’s very scalable and there’s room to grow and expand over many years."