Chemical & Petrochemicals

The chemical and petrochemical industry has four segments:

  1. petrochemicals 
  2. fertilizers 
  3. inorganic chemicals 
  4. specialty and fine chemicals

Petrochemicals is the largest of these segments. Alberta is Canada's leading petrochemicals manufacturer and home to four petrochemical plants with a combined annual production capacity of almost 9 billion pounds. Two of those plants - at Joffre and Fort Saskatchewan - are the world's largest.

Petrochemical production is one of the largest manufacturing industries in Alberta. In 2007, the industry accounted for sales of over $14 billion and exports of $7.2 billion to global markets such as the USA, China, Korea, Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan.

The industry directly employs more than 7,000 Albertans with a combined payroll of over $526 million.

The viability of the province's current petrochemical industry is based on access to a long-term secure and economic supply of natural gas liquid (NGL) feedstock - especially ethane - and the ability to develop suitable competitively priced products for international markets. The Alberta Government works with stakeholders to identify their concerns and to assist in securing and expanding sustainable feedstock supplies, both conventional (natural gas) and non-conventional (oil sands) to enhance opportunities in the petrochemical sector for Alberta.

The petrochemical industry has invested approximately $9 billion in Alberta since the 1970s to substantially increase production capacity for ethylene, polyethylene, ethylene glycol and linear olefins. For example, ethylene production has nearly doubled in recent years as a result of expansions at both Joffre and Fort Saskatchewan.

Numerous Industry Employment Opportunities

The petrochemical industry is a major contributor to Alberta's economy. As a result, Alberta suppliers also have the expertise to satisfy customers in the global marketplace. The industry provides employment opportunities to graduates from Alberta's 35 post-secondary learning institutions. The 7,773 engineers, scientists, technologists, operators, tradesmen, and support personnel working in Alberta's chemical industry share an annual payroll of $526 million.

Alberta's Chemical Industry Operators

Major players in Alberta's chemical industry include the following companies:

For more information about Alberta's Chemical and Petrochemical Industry, contact:

Date Updated: Nov 17, 2008
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