Energy Processing Publications and Maps

This section contains publications by Alberta Energy relating to Petrochemicals.  Petrochemical production is one of the largest manufacturing industries in Alberta in 2006, accounting for over $13 billion worth of products and $7.1 billion worth of exports. The industry directly employs more than 7,000 Albertans with a combined payroll of over $526 million.  Alberta is Canada's leading petrochemicals manufacturer and home to four petrochemical plants with a combined annual production capacity of 8.6 billion pounds.

Reports

Alberta Hydrocarbon Upgrading Task Force (HUTF)
In 2004, an industry/government Task Force (the HUTF) was established to explore synergies of other competitive opportunities with the refining and petrochemical industries. Learn more about the vision and related projects.

Alberta Polypropylene Market Study
Completed in September 2004, this study was commissioned by Alberta Economic Development, Williams Energy and Alberta Industrial Heartland Association to study the economic feasibility of producing polypropylene in the Province of Alberta.  This study identifies probable markets for Alberta-produced polypropylene and current suppliers to those markets that would compete with the Alberta-produced polypropylene. 

Alberta Polystyrene Production Options
Completed October 2000, this study was commissioned by Alberta Economic Development to examine the economic potential of producing polystyrene (PS) in Alberta by Harry Blair Consultants. The study concluded that "the base case project profitability is quite attractive". An economic model was developed to evaluate the profitability of constructing and operating a crystal/impact PS plant in Alberta, using local styrene monomer as feedstock, and shipping the product to consumers in Alberta, North America and Asia. The results were an attractive net present value and a strong real earnings power.

Alberta Propylene Upgrade Prospects:
Completed March 2000, this study commissioned by Alberta Economic Development identifies three propylene derivatives as being superior prospects for investment in Alberta. The study by T. J. McCann and Associates, estimates that by 2005, approximately 280 thousand tonnes per annum of propylene will be available from by-product sources in Alberta. McCann estimates the cost will be about two cents per pound lower than at the U.S. Gulf Coast. The report discusses a number of propylene derivatives that could be produced in Alberta, but three, polypropylene, acrylonitrile and acrylic acid stood out as having superior potential.

Fact Sheets

These documents provide information about Petrochemical industry in Alberta. If you have further questions, see the Frequently Asked Questions portion of our site.

Petrochemicals Fact Sheet
Recent statistics, history, major petrochemical sites in Alberta and new opportunities are offered in this two page summary.

Publications

Petrochemicals Overview
Petrochemicals are a valuable value-added sector in Alberta’s energy industry.[2008]
 
Natural Gas overview Brochure
This brochure presents Alberta’s combined capabilities in natural gas – our producing fields, our network of export pipelines, massive storage capability, a major benchmark pricing mechanism, trading services, numerous points of consumption from electricity generation to residential heating, and a world-class petrochemicals sector that adds value to natural gas liquids. [2008]

Alberta's Energy Industry Overview 
Energy Sector Highlights and Economic Impact, Natural Gas, Petrochemicals, Oil Sands and Conventional Oil, Minerals, Electricity, Hydrocarbon Resources. [2012]
 

Maps

Alberta Ethane Extraction Facilities 
This map indicates where the ethane extraction fractionators, major straddle plants, and petrochemical facilities are located within the province of Alberta. 

A listing of external resources for energy processing is also available.