Shell Canada Completes $400 Million Upgrade to Two Refineries
Volkswagen Canada, with more than 40 percent of its buyers opting for its TDI diesel engine alternative, has learned that there
are plenty of new car buyers willing to spend more to increase fuel economy, reduce emissions and increase long-term reliability. Mercedes-Benz has also long promoted the diesel cause on this side of the Atlantic, while newcomer Jeep, testing the market with its Liberty CRD, has had considerable success.
Truly, all that holds "oil burners" back from broader acceptance in North America is the lack of new cleaner-burning low sulphur diesel fuel, currently available in Europe and other parts of the world. The very fact that the new fuel contains only trace elements of sulphur makes it almost odor free, solving one of the most common complaints North American consumers have about diesel engines. A combination of low sulphur content and particulate filters also make for fewer pollutants, virtually eliminating
any gray smoke emitted during acceleration. Modern diesels are also quieter than their progenitors, while acceleration of diesel powered cars is often more spirited, thanks to much more torque at the lower end of the rev range.
An example of diesel power in action is Audi's most recent sports car prototype challenger, the R10, having recently won the 12 Hours of Sebring; the first diesel-powered race car to win such a prestigious even, and that in its first outing ever (see automotive news for Monday, March 20, 2006: Motorsport News: Russ Bond's Weekly Report - "Vin Diesel!").
Outside of Canada, automakers such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi and even Chrysler Group, Ford and GM, produce diesel-powered cars with clean-burning, ultra-efficient turbo-diesels, and knowing what's available
elsewhere and what could be sold here in Canada, Canadian proponents of the engine-type want more variety here at home. What will it take? Clean-burning, low sulphur diesel fuel at the pump. Most oil companies are working hard to bring to market just that, being that we're very close to June 1, 2006, when new federal regulations for diesel fuel standards take effect - the new regulations will reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions from diesel-powered vehicles by approximately 90 percent in current model year vehicles.
Ahead of the regulated target is Shell Canada Limited, having just announced the completion of a $400 million-plus upgrade to its Montreal East and Scotford refineries, now integrating two hydrotreaters to produce ultra low sulphur diesel fuel. The hydrotreaters allow Shell to reduce sulphur levels to fewer than 15 parts per million, 90 percent lower than previous levels.
"Shell has demonstrated its ability to execute a major construction project such as
this in a challenging labour market and do it safely, on time and within budget," commented David Weston, Senior Vice President, Oil Products, Shell Canada Limited. "This significant investment to reduce sulphur in fuel will contribute to improved air quality for all Canadians, building on Shell's commitment to sustainable development."
Of interest, back in 2002 when Shell Canada first put its gasoline hydrotreaters in place, it was the first national energy producer capable of refining low sulphur gasoline. This achievement, which came after a $150 million investment, has been a boon to Canada for many reasons, environmental benefits especially. The energy producer's additional investment for diesel production in its Alberta and Quebec plants has also benefited the local communities and short-term construction and contract engineering workers, 1,800 of which were working on the project during peak periods.
Volkswagen Canada, with more than 40 percent of its buyers opting for its TDI diesel engine alternative, has learned that there
 |
| More than 40 percent of Canada's Volkswagen buyers opt for its TDI diesel engine alternative. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Truly, all that holds "oil burners" back from broader acceptance in North America is the lack of new cleaner-burning low sulphur diesel fuel, currently available in Europe and other parts of the world. The very fact that the new fuel contains only trace elements of sulphur makes it almost odor free, solving one of the most common complaints North American consumers have about diesel engines. A combination of low sulphur content and particulate filters also make for fewer pollutants, virtually eliminating
 |
| Audi's most recent sports car prototype challenger, the R10, having recently won the 12 Hours of Sebring, is diesel-powered. (Photo: Audi Sport) |
An example of diesel power in action is Audi's most recent sports car prototype challenger, the R10, having recently won the 12 Hours of Sebring; the first diesel-powered race car to win such a prestigious even, and that in its first outing ever (see automotive news for Monday, March 20, 2006: Motorsport News: Russ Bond's Weekly Report - "Vin Diesel!").
Outside of Canada, automakers such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi and even Chrysler Group, Ford and GM, produce diesel-powered cars with clean-burning, ultra-efficient turbo-diesels, and knowing what's available
 |
| Outside of North America many automaker's offer diesel power, but hereat home there are only three brands that make diesel available. (JustinCouture, Canadian Auto Press) |
Ahead of the regulated target is Shell Canada Limited, having just announced the completion of a $400 million-plus upgrade to its Montreal East and Scotford refineries, now integrating two hydrotreaters to produce ultra low sulphur diesel fuel. The hydrotreaters allow Shell to reduce sulphur levels to fewer than 15 parts per million, 90 percent lower than previous levels.
"Shell has demonstrated its ability to execute a major construction project such as
 |
| Volkswagen is the number one seller of diesels in North America, andwill benefit from Shell's new ultra low sulphur diesel fuel. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Of interest, back in 2002 when Shell Canada first put its gasoline hydrotreaters in place, it was the first national energy producer capable of refining low sulphur gasoline. This achievement, which came after a $150 million investment, has been a boon to Canada for many reasons, environmental benefits especially. The energy producer's additional investment for diesel production in its Alberta and Quebec plants has also benefited the local communities and short-term construction and contract engineering workers, 1,800 of which were working on the project during peak periods.
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