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Energy

POWERED BY THE EDMONTON METROPOLITAN REGION

Energy production is the economic backbone of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. The region’s proximity to the 3rd largest oil reserves in the world — has led to global investment and world-renowned innovation in this sector.

Energy businesses thrive in the region thanks to complex transportation and pipeline systems, as well as world-class infrastructure in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. An energy pioneer, the region is home to a booming petrochemical industry creating new business opportunities, exploring cleantech innovations, and attracting billions in capital investment.

The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is leading the way in clean energy technologies because of its strong innovation ecosystem, a history of industry collaboration and investment,  and a large pool of specialized talent. Learn more about Alberta Energy Transition HERE.

Leading Investment Opportunities

The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is a long time leader in the energy industry, benefitting from significant investment by large multinationals and extensive federal and provincial support, making the region an excellent place to invest in this large, growing, and evolving sector. 

Through extensive research, benchmarking and data analysis the following opportunities have been identified as prime candidates for international investment. 

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    Meet our Leaders

    “The support for young entrepreneurs and for business, in general, is just absolutely amazing in the Edmonton region.”
    – Kiely Maclean, President and C0-founder, RJ Maclean

    Prime location

    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.

    Energy & Mining Fact Sheet

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    Talent

    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.

    Petrochemicals

    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.

    Supporting Infrastructure 

    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.

    Incentives

    Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program

    The Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program (APIP) offers a direct financial incentive to companies building new petrochemical facilities – or expanding existing ones – in Alberta’s thriving petrochemical sector.

    Read more
    Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER)

    Eligible facilities can opt into this program to receive subsidies based on their adoption of emission reduction technologies including AI tools or other innovations.

    Read more

    Emergent Opportunities

    The region is pursuing energy innovation by developing eco-friendly practices to increase efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.

    Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is one example, where carbon dioxide from energy operations is safely stored deep underground to effectively lower emissions. Shell Quest, located at the region’s Scotford complex, is the first facility of its kind to use CCS to store a million tonnes of CO2 per year— the equivalent of taking 250,000 cars off the road.

    We’re not only pushing innovation in oil and gas — we’re expanding into new territory with renewable energy. By leveraging our local expertise, we are pioneering the future of the energy sector on a global scale.  

    Hydrogen Economy

    Canada is strategically positioned to benefit from taking a leadership role in the transition to a net-zero  hydrogen economy and the Edmonton region is well-suited to become Canada’s first hydrogen node.

    Access to low-cost natural gas, existing experience in hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage, a vast network of pipeline infrastructure are just some of the reasons the Edmonton region is well suited to become a hydrogen node. We also have a large talent pool of engineers and tradespeople, and an extremely engaged network of industry, government, First Nations and university and college partners. 

    Learn more

    Clean Tech

    Differing from alternative energy, clean tech focuses on reducing the overall environmental impact of traditional energy sources like oil and gas. Through emerging innovations, the Edmonton Metropolitan Region has the opportunity to improve energy production by serving as a global leader in sustainable energy practices.

    Innovative drilling

    Reducing energy consumption at drill sites through robotic drilling that uses solar-powered motors and natural gas generators instead of less-efficient diesel generators. New technologies also allow for offsite remote control and a reduction in manpower, disturbance and emissions.

    Efficient completions

    New technology driving higher well production and reservoir recovery, better surface management, more recycling and reuse of fluid and the evaporation of produced water into clean steam instead of having to truck and pump it into disposal wells.

    Cleaner fuels

    Using liquid natural gas (LNG) and other gas products at drill and mine sites instead of diesel and propane to reduce flaring and emissions.

    Electrical generation conversion

    Using high-efficiency gas generation units instead of coal-fired units. This results in increased flexibility and extended operating life, lowering emissions and production and maintenance costs.

    Edmonton Region Clean Tech Ecosystem

    The Edmonton region’s clean tech ecosystem has numerous start-up utilizing innovative technology to reduce the environmental impact of traditional energy sources like oil and gas. Click below to get more data and information on these companies, their founders, investors, and events

    See Clean Tech Ecosystem

    Alternative Energy

    The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is diversifying its stronghold in the energy sector by adding alternative energy to the mix. By 2030, it’s projected that 30% of Alberta’s electricity will come from renewable sources. The region is ready for industry breakthroughs by harnessing the potential of its climate, expertise, and manufacturing capabilities.

    Expertise

    Post-secondary institutions and research facilities in the region are focused on alternative energy, providing the skills and talent to propel advancements in this field:

    • The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (NAIT) Alternative Energy Technology program trains students for careers in solar electric, solar thermal, geothermal, wind, hydro, bioenergy, and cogeneration.
    • The University of Alberta has 7,000 students enrolled in energy and environmental programs.
    Manufacturing

    Building equipment like solar panels and wind turbines to harness renewable energy requires a strong manufacturing presence. Given the region’s command of this sector, businesses will benefit from on-site servicing and production.

    Climate

    The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is a prime location for solar power. As the 3rd sunniest location in Canada, The region enjoys over 333 days of sunshine per year.

    Innovation Ecosystem

    Alberta Clean Technology Industry Alliance (ACTia)

    A multi-stakeholder, province-wide, and industry-focused group working to support Albertans developing cleantech products and services that improve economic performance and reduce environmental impact.

    Read more
    Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN)

    A consortium formed to purse federal funding for innovation research and focus on new technologies to reduce water use, reclaim developed land, monitor emissions, digitize operations, and examine low-emission end uses for hydrocarbons.

    Read more
    Emissions Reduction Alberta

    Emissions Reduction Alberta is a Government of Alberta established not-for-profit whose purpose is to Invest in GHG-reducing technologies that help Alberta grow existing industries and create new ones, convene the resources required to accelerate the commercialization and wide spread adoption of technology solutions that lead to economic growth and GHG reductions in Alberta, and maximize our impact through leveraged funding, communications, operational excellence, and by measuring and reporting on key performance metrics. Since its establishment, Emissions Reduction Alberta has contributed more than $4.1 billion in funding to Alberta projects and research. 

    Read more
    Institute for Oil Sands Innovation

    A research institute hosted in the UAlberta faculty of engineering that supports discovery and innovation across a broad range of areas related to oilsands mining and upgrading.

    Read more
    Future Energy Systems

    A recent initiative that includes a $75 million investment from the federal government to integrate Future Energy Systems technologies into Alberta’s oil and gas energy infrastructure.

    Read more
    Centre for Oil Sands Sustainability (NAIT)

    A research centre  working with industry to develop technologies that improve the economic and environmental performance of Alberta’s oilsands operations.

    Read more

    Business Spotlight

    Kuby

    Transitioning their oil and gas expertise to the emerging renewable energy industry, Kuby is one of the region’s many professional contractors specializing in solar installations and residential and commercial renewable energy systems.

    Kuby has managed the installation of major solar projects for schools, arenas, farms, homes and First Nation power projects. To keep up with the rising interest in electric vehicles, the company is also Tesla-certified, installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers for homes and businesses.

    Based in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, they also service Western and Northern Canada.

    Shell Quest

    The Quest carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility is showing that CCS works – in its first four years of operations, Quest has captured and safely stored 4 million tonnes of CO2, and has achieved this milestone ahead of schedule. 

    Shell believes that society will need effective carbon pricing mechanisms and carbon capture and storage (CCS) to achieve its climate goals. The good news is that Canada is showing leadership in both. Our provinces are implementing world-leading climate policies and Canada has nearly one fifth of the 22 large-scale CCS plants operating or under construction around the world.

    The Quest facility is operated by Shell on behalf of the Athabasca Oil Sands Project.

    Energy Job Shop

    Energy Job Shop(EJS) is connecting industry with millions of oil and gas workers looking to find gainful employment in the transitioning oil industry. The emerging renewable energy sector is only beginning, and Energy Job Shop is aiming to connect these job seekers with not only oil & gas jobs, but solar, nuclear, and green energy, both locally, and internationally. EJS offers free educational resources and thousands of free energy job listings which are added daily.

    Based out of the Edmonton region, EJS reaches more than 5 million energy job seekers every month.

    Read More

    The Edmonton region is decarbonizing the transportation industry

    July 4, 2022
    Despite positive improvements in technology, global carbon emissions are projected to grow by 56% by 2050. Government and industry around the globe…
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    Edmonton Region: A Global Epicenter for Hydrogen

    June 27, 2022
    Canada’s first hydrogen hub, located in the Edmonton region, is one of the largest in the world, attracting investments in innovation, production …
    Read more

    From Earth to Space – Endless Opportunities

    June 9, 2022
    When it comes to unlocking the future of technology, few areas hold more potential than nanotech. The NanoCanada conference showcases the field’s c…
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    What sets Alberta’s Industrial Heartland apart?

    June 7, 2022
    Amazing things are happening in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, especially in heavy industry, moving us towards our goal of net-zero carbon emissi…
    Read more

    Media Release: The CHFCA and Edmonton Global partner to strengthen region’s leadership in global hydrogen economy 

    May 26, 2022
    Caption: Ivette Vera-Perez, President and CEO of the CHFCA and Malcolm Bruce, CEO of Edmonton Global shake hands following MOU singing. EDMONTON—Th…
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    Hauling towards a low carbon future

    May 20, 2022
    Road freight is the primary CO2 emitter of global trade-related transport and the industry has faced numerous barriers to a net-zero reality. Despi…
    Read more

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