Parkland to build new renewable diesel unit at Burnaby Refinery, expand coprocessing

Parkland Corp. announced plans May 9 to increase renewable fuel production at its Burnaby Refinery in British Columbia. The plans include expanding its existing coprocessing volumes to approximately 5,500 barrels (231,000 gallons) per day and building a standalone renewable diesel complex within the Burnaby Refinery, which will be capable of producing approximately 6,500 barrels (273,000 gallons) per day of renewable diesel.

Renewable fuels produced through these plans will have one eighth of the carbon intensity of conventional fuels. They will reduce related greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2 megatons per year. In addition, Parkland is designing the standalone renewable diesel complex to ensure it does not increase emissions from the Burnaby Refinery. The announcement follows collaboration with the government of British Columbia and supports the government’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Parkland estimates that these projects will require an investment of approximately CAD$600 million (USD$462.2 million), with the majority of capital investment expected to be deployed in 2024 and 2025. Parkland has received provincial government support for more than 40 percent of the project costs in the form of BC Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Compliance Credits.

“I applaud the government of British Columbia for their vision and support of these innovative projects,” said Bob Espey, Parkland president and CEO. “This announcement advances our decarbonization strategy and our commitment to provide customers with low-carbon choices, which help them meet their environmental goals. Renewable fuels play a critical role in Canada’s climate ambitions by enabling customers to reduce their carbon footprint using their existing vehicles.”

Following stakeholder consultation, Parkland is targeting a final investment decision in the second half of next year, with production expected to commence in 2026. The company is currently assessing the feasibility and availability of financial support to produce sustainable aviation fuel as part of these plans, in support of decarbonizing Canada’s aviation sector.