Hydrocarbon Upgrading Task Force (HUTF) Activities

Industry and government are jointly pursuing studies on the technical and market opportunities for new refining and petrochemical feedstock potential. In 2002, an industry/government study explored opportunities for alternative feedstocks, including oil sands upgrading and co-products of refineries and existing ethane crackers. To date, these studies have shown that returns from increased upgrading and refining are potentially attractive and that export markets may exist for refined product from Alberta.

In 2004, an industry/government Task Force (the HUTF) was established to explore synergies of other competitive opportunities with the refining and petrochemical industries. Two studies have been initiated:

  1. Integration - assess the product integration opportunities for feedstocks, petrochemicals, fertilizers, syngas and electricity with bitumen upgrading and refining in Alberta.
  2. Best Practices - review successful integrated hydrocarbon clusters in various jurisdictions around the world to identify competitive gaps for Alberta.

Value-added upgrading of energy resources in Alberta is a high priority. The HUTF is supporting this priority by developing the business case for adding value to bitumen for new refining capacity and as a source of petrochemical feedstock.

HUTF presentations and studies:

Other Links:
Alberta-Canada  Chemical & Petrochemicals industry information (managed by the Ministries of; Employment, Immigration and Industry, International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations and Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture)

Last reviewed/revised: 2008-07-24