By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Mar. 19 -- Williams Cos. Inc. and TransCanada Corp. are evaluating joint development of Sunstone Pipeline, a major transmission line that would transport natural gas supplies from the Rockies to the US West.
The proposed 618-mile, 42-in. Sunstone line would have a capacity of 1.2 bcfd. The line, proposed for service in 2011, would be built parallel to the existing Williams Northwest Pipeline system between the Opal Hub in Wyoming and Stanfield, Ore. Williams' Northwest system interconnects at Stanfield with TransCanada's Gas Transmission Northwest (GTN) pipeline system.
The project provides the option to deliver gas to markets served by the Northwest and GTN pipeline systems. Sunstone's open season commenced Mar. 17 and extends through Apr. 30. GTN will have an additional open season to offer existing capacity available on its pipeline system between Stanfield and GTN's terminus at Malin, Ore., near California's northern border.
Sunstone would provide broad access and enhance supply diversity to markets throughout the Pacific Northwest, northern Nevada and northern California. It would require construction of fewer miles of pipeline along existing utility corridors, including segments of Northwest's existing pipeline system and would provide favorable rates due to efficiencies from existing infrastructure and operations along the route, officials said. Moreover, Williams has recent construction experience along the pipeline corridor.