The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is close to abundant energy resources including the 3rd largest oil reserves in the world, conventional fields, massive natural gas reserves, and coal sites. The region’s energy services sector is second to none. Many technologies and practices have been created here that are now used around the world. Conveniences in our own backyard have given the region a competitive advantage in research, innovation, equipment, and well-priced feedstock for downstream production.

The region is known throughout the world for its expertise in the energy sector. We’re home to unique skillsets that are in demand for a variety of consulting purposes. Delegations come from all over to learn from local expertise in:

• Vessel and pipe skid design and fabrication
• Materials
• Valves
• Instrumentation
  

Fueling this expertise is a well-trained and knowledgeable workforce. The Edmonton Metropolitan Region’s post-secondary institutions provide a talent pipeline to the pipelines. The University of Alberta is ranked 8th globally for energy research. With strengths in research, engineering, and apprenticeship training, the region supports the energy sector with the right skills to get the job done.

With close access to feedstocks, the region has developed an extensive petrochemical industry.  Oil and natural gas are piped into Alberta’s Industrial Heartland where they are manufactured into $13.5 billion worth of annual feedstocks like propane, ethylene, cellulose acetate, and polyethylene.

These petrochemical byproducts are used to manufacture everything from home insulation to engine oil, gasoline additives to recycled steel, medical equipment to rocket fuel.

Alberta’s Industrial Heartland

Alberta’s Industrial Heartland is a concentration of world-class refining and processing operations. It is the largest hydrocarbon processing centre in Canada and the center of petrochemical activity in Western Canada. More than 40 national and multinational companies operate in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, representing over $40 billion in current capital investment. These operations are dynamic, innovative, and leading the way to a greener future. Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association is the primary link to heavy industrial opportunities in the region.

Road, air, rail, and port

Integrated logistics allow companies to easily transport commodities locally and internationally. The region is well connected with Asia with the Port of Prince Rupert cutting shipping distance in half when compared to Gulf Coast hubs. The Edmonton International Airport (EIA) also has cargo partnerships with many Asian airlines.

Salt caverns

Solution-mined salt caverns 1,800m below the surface create efficient natural storage capacity for a number of operations.

Pipelines

The Edmonton Metropolitan Region serves as a hub for the province’s pipeline system. Major pipelines like Trans Mountain, Keystone, and Enbridge connect to a 373,000km regional network. Pipelines supply the petrochemical industry with feedstocks and deliver oil, natural gas, and hydrocarbon products throughout North America.

Leduc-Nisku Industrial Park

The largest petroleum manufacturing industrial park in Canada and the 2nd largest in North America.

Refineries

There are 4 refineries in the region belonging to Shell, Suncor, Imperial Oil, and the Northwest Redwater Partnership. These operations represent ¼ of Canada’s total refining capacity.

Utilities 

Alberta has access to an abundance of fresh-water resources and low-cost electricity, reducing operating costs associated with downstream processing.

Video credit: Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association