A large addition to the Inter Pipeline Ltd. (IPL) natural gas processing and oil pipeline network is nearing startup, with commissioning of the Heartland Petrochemical Complex near the Alberta capital of Edmonton to start soon.

Calgary-based IPL management indicated that the new plant is “substantially, mechanically complete.” Commissioning is set to begin, with the start of operations expected early in the second quarter of 2022. The Heartland complex would produce 525,000 tons/year of polypropylene from 22,000 b/d of propane.

The C$4.7 billion ($3.76-billion) project has to date landed eight long-term contracts at an average of nine years and would use 68% of the new plant’s capacity, according to IPL. Negotiations are under way on more contracts. Any leftover capacity...