Imperial Oil’s Strathcona plant, Canada’s largest renewable diesel facility, produces 20,000 barrels daily using local bio-feedstocks and low-carbon hydrogen integration.
Imperial Oil Ltd., a majority-owned affiliate of ExxonMobil Corp. headquartered in Irving, Texas, has announced the completion of its renewable diesel production facility at the Strathcona refinery, located near Edmonton, Alberta. This development marks a significant milestone in both the company’s Canadian operations and the country’s efforts toward cleaner fuel adoption.
Once operating at full capacity, the Strathcona renewable diesel facility is set to become the largest of its kind in Canada. It will have the capability to produce up to 20,000 barrels per day of lower-emission fuels. These fuels are aimed at reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and industrial operations while maintaining performance standards required by end users.
The facility will supply renewable diesel to customers across Western Canada, as well as to Imperial’s own operations in Northern Alberta, including those supporting the oil sands industry. Importantly, the plant is designed to utilize bio-feedstocks sourced from Canadian agricultural suppliers, ensuring a reliable, local, and sustainable supply chain. This approach not only supports domestic farmers but also strengthens Canada’s renewable fuel ecosystem.
The renewable diesel produced is compatible with existing diesel engines without the need for modifications, making it a practical solution for industries and consumers transitioning toward lower-carbon alternatives. Additionally, the product’s formulation is particularly suited to perform effectively in Canada’s cold climate, addressing one of the key challenges for alternative fuels in northern regions.
Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for the facility were provided by Fluor, a global engineering and construction company known for delivering complex industrial projects. To further enhance the environmental benefits, Imperial Oil has partnered with Air Products, which will supply low-carbon hydrogen for the production process. This integration of low-carbon hydrogen helps reduce the overall lifecycle emissions of the renewable diesel.
ExxonMobil has played an important role in the project, contributing its proprietary catalyst technology to improve efficiency and performance in renewable fuel production. The company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, coupled with the expertise of a dedicated project team and the support of favorable economic policies, has been instrumental in bringing the Strathcona renewable diesel facility to completion.
This project reflects a broader global movement toward decarbonization and sustainable fuel solutions. For Canada, it represents both a significant industrial achievement and a tangible step toward meeting climate goals. By combining domestic agricultural inputs, advanced engineering, and low-carbon hydrogen integration, Imperial Oil’s Strathcona refinery project underscores the potential for large-scale renewable fuel production in cold-weather markets.
