Imperial to produce renewable diesel at Strathcona refinery

Rhea-AI Summary

Imperial plans to construct a renewable diesel facility at its Strathcona refinery in Alberta, capable of producing 20,000 barrels (3 million liters) of renewable diesel daily by 2024. This project aims to cut annual CO₂ emissions by 3 million tonnes, equivalent to removing 650,000 vehicles from the roads. The Government of British Columbia supports this initiative under low-carbon fuel legislation, potentially creating 600 direct jobs. The facility will utilize blue hydrogen in its production process, aligning with Canada's efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Positive

• Planned construction of the largest renewable diesel facility in Canada.
• Expected to produce 20,000 barrels of renewable diesel daily by 2024.
• Projected annual CO₂ reductions of 3 million tonnes.
• Government support from British Columbia enhances project viability.
• Creation of approximately 600 direct construction jobs.

Negative

• Final investment decision hinges on government approvals and market conditions.
• Project completion and operational timelines are uncertain.

• Strathcona project will leverage hydrogen produced with carbon capture and storage technology to help Canada meet low-carbon fuel standards.
• Facility could produce about 20,000 barrels, or 3 million litres of renewable diesel, per day in 2024.
• Renewable diesel has the potential to reduce annual CO₂ emissions by about 3 million tonnes compared to conventional fuels.
• The Government of British Columbia has entered into an agreement with Imperial on this project under Part 3 of its low-carbon fuel legislation.

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Imperial (TSE:IMO, NYSE American:IMO) is moving forward with plans to construct a world-class renewable diesel complex at its Strathcona refinery near Edmonton, Alberta. This new complex is expected to produce more than 1 billion litres per year of renewable diesel from locally sourced and grown feedstocks. The project is expected to realize about 3 million tonnes per year in emissions reductions in the Canadian transportation sector.

Strathcona Refinery near Edmonton, AB (Photo: Business Wire)

“Imperial is excited to announce our plan to build the largest renewable diesel manufacturing facility in Canada,” said Brad Corson, Imperial chairman, president and chief executive officer. “This world-class facility will be a significant value-generating, forward-looking project that brings together our proprietary technologies and refining scale to the benefit of the environment, the economy and local job creation. Today’s announcement further demonstrates Imperial’s commitment and support for Canada’s transition to lower-emission fuels, as well as Canada’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2050.”

Renewable diesel production will source blue hydrogen (hydrogen produced from natural gas with carbon capture and storage) to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions relative to conventional hydrogen production. Approximately 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ are expected to be captured annually. The blue hydrogen and biofeedstock will be combined with a proprietary catalyst to produce premium low-carbon diesel fuel.

Imperial is currently in partnership discussions with government and industry, including the Government of Alberta, as well as the Government of British Columbia who have agreed to support this project with an agreement under Part 3 of its low-carbon fuel legislation.

A final investment decision will be based on several factors, including government support and approvals, market conditions and economic competitiveness. The project is expected to create about 600 direct construction jobs, along with hundreds more through investments by our business partners. Renewable diesel production is anticipated to start in 2024.

Third-party studies have shown renewable diesel from various non-petroleum feedstocks can provide life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions of approximately 40 percent to 80 percent compared to petroleum-based diesel. The reduction of 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gases is estimated to be the equivalent to taking more than 650,000 passenger vehicles off the road for one year.

Today’s announcement builds on Imperial’s commitment to reducing emissions. In June, Imperial announced its participation as a founding member of the Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero Alliance. The goal of this unique alliance, working collectively with the broader oil and gas industry and the federal and Alberta governments, is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from oil sands operations by 2050 to help Canada meet its climate goals, including its Paris Agreement commitments and 2050 net-zero aspirations. The company is committed to achieving this through projects that drive value for our shareholders.

This investment at the Strathcona refinery underscores its strategic importance to Imperial’s operations. As the largest refinery in western Canada, Strathcona provides valuable products that keep our communities and the economy moving.

Cautionary statement: Statements of future events or conditions in this release, including projections, targets, expectations, estimates, and business plans are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, the company’s plans to construct a renewable diesel facility at Strathcona; references to the production of renewable diesel at Strathcona, including production estimates and projections, and expected sources of feedstock; the availability of and use by the company of carbon capture and storage technology; the impact of the company’s plans on Federal and Provincial low-carbon fuels standards and emissions targets; the company’s projections regarding expected reductions in CO₂ emissions in comparison to conventional fuels; the factors informing the company’s final investment decision; the company’s expectations regarding job creation as a result of the project; the anticipated date for commencing renewable diesel production at the facility; the company’s commitment to investing in projects that support sustainability and contribute to reducing emissions; and Strathcona’s position amongst other renewable diesel complexes in North America.

Forward-looking statements are based on the company's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions at the time the statements are made. Actual future financial and operating results, including expectations and assumptions concerning refinery utilization, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions; demand growth and energy source, supply and demand mix; general market conditions; commodity prices; the company’s ability to effectively execute on its project plans and operate the refinery and cogeneration unit; progression of COVID-19 and its impacts on Imperial’s ability to operate its assets, including the possible shutdown of facilities due to COVID-19 outbreaks; the company’s ability to effectively execute on its business continuity plans; the adoption and impact of new facilities or technologies, including on reductions to greenhouse gas emissions intensity; the availability of locally sourced and grown feedstock; applicable laws and government policies and actions, including climate change and restrictions in response to COVID-19; and capital and environmental expenditures could differ materially depending on a number of factors. These factors include global, regional or local changes in supply and demand for oil, natural gas, and petroleum products and resulting price, differential and margin impacts; environmental regulation, including climate change and greenhouse gas regulation and changes to such regulation; general economic conditions; political or regulatory events, including changes in law or government policy such as actions in response to COVID-19; availability and performance of third-party service providers; unanticipated technical or operational difficulties; management effectiveness and disaster response preparedness, including business continuity plans in response to COVID-19; unexpected technological developments; operational hazards and risks; cybersecurity incidents; and other factors discussed in Item 1A risk factors and Item 7 management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Imperial’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent interim reports of Form 10-Q.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some that are similar to other oil and gas companies and some that are unique to Imperial Oil Limited. Imperial’s actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by its forward-looking statements and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. Imperial undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by applicable law.

After more than a century, Imperial continues to be an industry leader in applying technology and innovation to responsibly develop Canada’s energy resources. As Canada’s largest petroleum refiner, a major producer of crude oil, a key petrochemical producer and a leading fuels marketer from coast to coast, our company remains committed to high standards across all areas of our business.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210825005107/en/

Investor relations

(587) 476-4743

Media relations

(587) 476-7010

Source: Imperial

FAQ

What is Imperial's plan for the Strathcona project?

Imperial plans to build a renewable diesel facility at the Strathcona refinery in Alberta, aiming to produce 20,000 barrels daily by 2024.

How much CO₂ emissions will the Strathcona facility reduce?

The facility is expected to reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 3 million tonnes.

What support has Imperial received for the Strathcona project?

The Government of British Columbia has entered an agreement with Imperial under its low-carbon fuel legislation.

When is renewable diesel production anticipated to start?

Renewable diesel production is anticipated to commence in 2024.

What are the job creation expectations from the Strathcona project?

The project is expected to create about 600 direct construction jobs.