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Mapping out Canadian Refineries from Coast to Coast

Michelle Heath
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Refining Series

Global Refining |  Canadian Refineries | The Basics

Canadian Refineries from Coast to Coast

The Canadian refining industry plays a significant role in the country’s economy as it is responsible for processing crude oil into refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and heating oil. Here are some important points to know about the Canadian refining industry:

  • Location: The majority of Canada’s refineries are located in the eastern part of the country, with the largest concentration in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
  • Ownership: The refining industry in Canada is dominated by a few large players, including Suncor Energy, Imperial Oil, and Husky Energy. However, there are also smaller, independent refineries.
  • Capacity: According to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Canada has a total refining capacity of approximately 1.9 million barrels per day.
  • Markets: Canadian refineries primarily supply the domestic market, but also export refined products to the United States and other countries.
  • Challenges: The refining industry in Canada faces a number of challenges, including aging infrastructure, increasing competition from US refineries, and pressure to reduce carbon emissions.
  • Government Regulations: The Canadian government has implemented regulations to reduce the carbon footprint of the refining industry, such as the Clean Fuel Standard, which requires a gradual reduction in the carbon intensity of liquid fuels.
  • Employment: The refining industry provides significant employment opportunities in Canada, with an estimated 18,000 direct jobs and another 35,000 indirect jobs in related industries.

Overall, the Canadian refining industry is an important part of the country’s energy sector and economy, but also faces significant challenges and regulations as it adapts to changing market conditions and environmental concerns.

Abbreviations

MMb/d – million barrels per day

Sources

https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-commodities/crude-oil-petroleum-products/report/2019-gasoline/index.html

https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/market-snapshots/2020/market-snapshot-refineries-are-reducing-production-due-lower-oil-demand-during-covid-19-pandemic.html

https://www.oilsandsmagazine.com/projects/canadian-refineries

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-data/data-analysis/energy-data-analysis/energy-facts/petroleum-products-facts/20065

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-data/data-analysis/energy-data-analysis/energy-facts/petroleum-products-facts/20065#L1

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/nrcan/files/energy/energy_fact/energy-factbook-2020-2021-English.pdf

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/201119/dq201119e-eng.htm

https://www.canadianfuels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Sector-Performance-Report-2019-EN_Final.pdf

https://www.iea.org/reports/key-world-energy-statistics-2020/transformation

https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/cmsmedia/3792944/iveyenergycentre_policybrief_dec2020_energyinca_overview_editedjan13.pdf