Alberta's new plant can produce millions of litres of synthetic diesel from natural gas

In Alberta, Canada, Rocky Mountain Clean Fuels Inc. was awarded a $20 million provincial grant to assist in the establishment of its facility capable of producing synthetic diesel. This project represents a significant advancement in the province’s desire to become a leading global producer of petrochemicals. The company's operation began with the utilization of natural gas as feedstock, which is abundant and affordable in Alberta. However, they also expressed intentions to explore switching to biogas feedstocks in the future, reflecting the facility’s flexible and modular technology. The facility is located in Carseland, a location selected for its synergy with an adjacent oil and gas processing facility; however, complications arose when that facility went bankrupt during Rocky Mountain's construction, leading them to source natural gas from the TransCanada pipeline instead. Despite this hiccup, Rocky Mountain’s chief executive, Doug Geeraert, is optimistic about the economic opportunities that will emerge as the facility expands, suggesting that the small-scale nature of their operations allows them to set up in areas unsuitable for larger processing operations. Rocky Mountain Clean Fuels anticipates producing 25 million litres of synthetic diesel annually, with interest already forthcoming from marine markets, and plans are in place to target heavy industry and transport sectors shortly. The technology not only aims to bolster the production of synthetic fuels but also includes carbon capture capabilities to minimize environmental impact. The Alberta government has approved over $620 million in funding grants since the inception of the Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program (APIP) in 2020, aiming to attract investments and promote growth in the petrochemical sector. With forecasts from the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association projecting over $30 billion growth in the petrochemical sector by 2043, developments at Rocky Mountain Clean Fuels are a clear indication of the province's commitment to leveraging its natural gas resources effectively. The journey towards renewable fuels is expected to progress gradually, but with initiatives like this one, the energy industry in Alberta is preparing for a transformative shift towards cleaner, more sustainable fuel options.