Petrochemical program gains momentum
2021-04-05

Inter Pipeline’s approximately $4-billion propane-to-polypropylene plastic facility, located in the Industrial Heartland just north of Edmonton, is the first of its kind in North America, adding more value to a fast-growing part of Alberta’s economy. Through APIP, the company will receive a $408-million grant – spread out over three years – once the project becomes operational. The facility is under construction and will have employed 16,000 Albertans directly and indirectly during its construction in full-time jobs, and will employ over 300 Albertans permanently.

“We’re fully committed to getting Alberta’s economy back on track, and petrochemicals will help build a resilient, diversified future for Albertans. Projects like these are key to expanding the opportunities connected to Alberta’s energy resources.”

Sonya Savage, Minister of Energy

“Petrochemical products are an essential part of daily living, and – between our abundant natural gas resources, skilled workforce and positive business environment – Alberta has everything we need to produce them for customers around the world. APIP has already attracted attention from investors all over the globe, and we expect more applicants to move through the process in the coming months and years as we turn Alberta into a global hub.”

Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity

“We applaud the Alberta government for spurring further petrochemical investment in Alberta and continuing to support the Heartland Petrochemical Complex. The fact that the program has a structured and logical approach makes it very competitive with other jurisdictions in North America and also substantially enhances the economics for future petrochemical investments in Alberta.” 

Christian Bayle, president & CEO, Inter Pipeline

“Since the Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program was announced in 2020, our association has received tremendous interest from investors in the petrochemical sector. The award to Inter Pipeline’s $3.9-billion propane-to-polypropylene facility, which is located in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, is a perfect example of a meaningful, made-in-Alberta incentive vehicle that is attracting large-scale, value-add investments to our province. Coupled with other competitive advantages that Alberta’s Industrial Heartland has to offer, including world-leading carbon capture and storage infrastructure and an educated workforce, programs like APIP help advance job-creating economic activity that will benefit all Albertans and all Canadians.”

Mark Plamondon, executive director, Alberta Industrial Heartland Association

“I am very pleased to see Inter Pipeline, with Alberta’s government, investing in this multibillion-dollar project in my constituency of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. This will create thousands of shovel-ready jobs, and create hundreds of much-needed permanent ones.”

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

APIP offers companies a grant worth 12 per cent of their eligible capital costs when building new plants for petrochemical, hydrogen, fertilizer or fuel products, or expanding existing ones. The program was designed to compete against similar programs offered by American states like Louisiana and Pennsylvania, which have seen significant investment in petrochemicals. The Alberta Industrial Heartland Association estimates that there is an opportunity to grow the sector by more than $30 billion by 2030, resulting in tens of thousands of jobs for Albertans that would otherwise go to those competing jurisdictions.

Quick facts

  • Alberta already has one of the most established petrochemical industries in Canada, with potential growth in existing centres like Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, Grande Prairie, Joffre and Medicine Hat.
  • Every day, people around the world use dozens of products that are made with petrochemicals, including:
    • Medical supplies, such as computers for X-rays and MRIs and personal protective equipment, including disposable masks and gloves
    • HD televisions, phones, bicycle helmets, coffee makers and computers
    • Car tires, engine hoses, gasoline, radio components and car seats
    • Desks, chairs, computers, carpets, cellphones and other office supplies
    • Food packaging that keeps food fresh and safe during transport and storage
  • According to the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, Alberta’s chemicals sector, comprised predominantly of petrochemicals, was valued at $12.1 billion and employed about 58,400 people directly and indirectly in 2019.