An $8.9 billion investment has been announced for the construction of a net-zero ethylene manufacturing facility in Fort Saskatchewan, north of Edmonton. The project is a collaboration between the provincial and federal governments and Dow Chemical Canada. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stated that the facility will create up to 8,000 jobs during construction and around 500 full-time jobs once operational. The expansion will triple Dow's ethylene and polyethylene capacity by its completion in 2029. CEO of Dow, Jim Fitterling, emphasized that this investment will help meet the demand for more sustainable petrochemical-derived products and aims to reduce the plant's greenhouse gas footprint to zero.
The investment in the net-zero petrochemical facility represents a significant step towards sustainability in the industry. Premier Danielle Smith highlighted the collaboration between different levels of government as an example of effective cooperation. Besides reducing emissions, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs and provide economic benefits to the province. The expansion will enable Dow Chemical Canada to meet the growing demand for sustainable petrochemical products while reducing its environmental impact.
Dow Chemical Canada's net-zero petrochemical facility is set to revolutionize the industry by showcasing the feasibility and profitability of industrial decarbonization. The project will be supported by investment tax credits for carbon capture, utilization, and storage, as well as clean hydrogen. With construction starting in 2024 and completion scheduled for 2029, the facility is expected to become one of the most cost-competitive in the world. By generating organic growth and de-carbonizing a significant portion of Dow's global ethylene capacity, this project demonstrates that sustainable practices can be integrated into large-scale industrial operations while still being economically viable.