Alberta Industrial Heartland: Where Energy Meets Innovation

Alberta Industrial Heartland (AIH) is one of Canada’s major industrial parks and a globally recognized hub for petrochemical, chemical, oil, and gas investment. Located northeast of Edmonton, this 582 square kilometre energy center stands as the country’s largest hydrocarbon processing region and its most advanced carbon capture hub. Home to over 40 companies and with more than USD $36 billion in capital investment, Alberta Industrial Heartland is a powerful hub driving Canada’s energy and economic future.

From producing fuels and fertilizers to generating power and developing hydrogen, AIH is a key hub of innovation and value-added energy processing. The region’s infrastructure is designed for scale and sustainability, with two operating refineries equipped with carbon capture technology and access to the world’s largest CO₂ pipeline. These assets make AIH a cornerstone of Canada’s industrial development in low-emission energy production and carbon reduction strategies.

AIH is home to over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. The park is a key contributor to both the regional and national economy. It also serves as a model for balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility, making it an attractive option for energy investors.

AIH is also home to many industry leaders and companies. Shell, Suncor, Kinder Morgan, Pembina Pipeline Corporation, and Inter Pipeline are just a few of the major companies that operate within the park. These companies, alongside many others, contribute to the region’s infrastructure and its ability to serve both provincial and international markets.

The Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA), formed in 1999, oversees investment attraction and regional coordination. It is governed by a board representing five municipal partners: the City of Fort Saskatchewan, local countries, and the City of Edmonton. These municipalities work together to ensure AIH remains competitive, sustainable, and investor-friendly.

Supporting the region’s growth are key partnerships with organizations like the Fort Air Partnership, Northeast Capital Industrial Association (NCIA), and Northeast Region Community Awareness Emergency Response (NR CAER). These groups help coordinate emergency response and support industrial collaboration.

Investment is drawn to AIH not just for its scale and resources, but also for the support provided by the AIHA. This includes site selection assistance, strategic advising, connections to stakeholders and incentive programs, and hosted site tours. Its location near rail, pipelines, highways, and ports, along with a skilled workforce and policy support, gives AIH a competitive edge.

Alberta Industrial Heartland continues to grow as a center for large-scale, low-emission industrial activity and long-term investment.