Alberta announces new effort to expand oil and gas pipeline capacity with Enbridge

The Alberta government is partnering with Calgary-based pipeline company Enbridge Inc. to increase the province’s oil and gas pipeline capacity.

The agreement is to begin with a new formal working group between Enbridge and the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission, a Crown corporation.

Premier Danielle Smith says they will focus on streamlining regulations and permitting approvals, and expanding opportunities along Enbridge’s existing 29,000-kilometre network.

It’s all part of her United Conservative government’s push to double oil production and increase exports to the United States.

She says the province has a responsibility to ensure its oil and natural gas has market access, and noted Alberta exports more than 4.3 million barrels per day of crude oil to the U.S.

Greg Ebel, CEO of Enbridge, expressed confidence in the partnership.

“With 75 years of experience delivering Alberta’s energy safely and cost-effectively, Enbridge is well-positioned to provide scalable, executable solutions that support North American energy security and affordability,” he said.