Hydrocarbon Upgrading

Alberta is focused on developing an integrated energy strategy that looks beyond extraction and maximizing the potential of our resources to enhance the growth of Alberta's refining and petrochemical industries.

Future Trends in Bitumen Production and Hydrocarbon Upgrading

  • It is forecast that bitumen production from Alberta's oil sands will reach three million barrels per day by 2020.
  • Of the three million barrels per day projected, approximately one million barrels per day are expected to be upgraded to finished products.
  • Bitumen will also be used as feedstock for production of refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, and fertilizers.

Hydrocarbon Upgrading Task Force (HUTF)

The Government of Alberta encourages the development of innovative technology to access energy resources in an environmentally sensitive manner.

The Hydrocarbon Upgrading Task Force (HUTF) was established in 2004 by the Government of Alberta and industry, and currently includes over 80 senior government and industry members.

The mission of the HUTF is to develop opportunities for world-scale integrated refining and petrochemical plant clusters to convert oil sands bitumen into finished products for world markets.

Alberta's Industrial Heartland: Home of Hydrocarbon Upgrading

Alberta's Industrial Heartland is a base of hydrocarbon upgrading and integration. It is home to one of Canada's largest concentrations of petroleum, refining, petrochemical, and chemical processors.

For more information on hydrocarbon upgrading see:

Date Updated: Oct 30, 2009
RDP-1107