Alberta is calling for expressions of interest to build a new oil refinery in the province.
Premier Rachel Notley announced Tuesday evening that the province is looking for companies to build a new refinery or expand an existing one. Such requests are the first step in the process, but would include specifics such as financing, technical feasibility and timelines.
The deadline for expressions of interest to be filed with the province is February 8, 2019.
"We know companies are interested. We've heard it first-hand," said Premier Notley. "So we are stepping up. As the owners of this resource, we are saying once and for all, let's stop the talk and start acting."
Notley declined to specify what the province is looking for, or what it might offer on any refinery construction deal, saying it's too early in the process for those specifics.
"We're open to looking at different arrangements, but we're going to (first) get a sense of the range of arrangements that might be coming our way," said the Premier. "Then we'll look at what gives the best return on investment to Albertans."
Terry Parker, head of the Building Trades of Alberta, said the workforce to construct a major new oil refinery is already in place. "We have far too many unemployed, skilled construction workers," he said. "We need major projects happening."
Alberta already has four upgraders and four refineries, with the North West Sturgeon refinery set to begin commercial production in 2019. The February deadline for expressions of interest comes at the same time that the legislated three-month window opens for a spring election in Alberta.
