Naftogaz and First Nations-owned Kino Aski LNG sign MoU to explore Canadian LNG imports for Europe

On September 11, Naftogaz announced a memorandum of understanding with Kino Aski LNG to evaluate the feasibility of delivering Canadian liquefied natural gas to European markets. The agreement establishes a structure for joint analysis of a potential supply chain that would transport LNG from a proposed terminal at the Port of Baie-Comeau in Quebec. Kino Aski LNG, owned by the Atikamekw Nation and being developed together with Marinvest Energy Canada, is currently in the technical study phase; a final pipeline corridor has not been chosen and regulatory reviews have not started.

The next phases will involve environmental impact assessments, detailed engineering work and dialogue with First Nations communities. Constant Awashish, director of Kino Aski and Grand Chief of the Atikamekw Nation, emphasized the chance for First Nations to take a leading role in new energy connections between Canada and Europe. The initiative fits within broader European efforts to broaden gas sources amid geopolitical pressures.