Alberta

Traffic on TransCanada Corp.’s western pipeline grid, Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), will increase by 42% over the next 10 years as thermal oilsands production grows and spreads across northern Alberta, the system’s planners said.

Natural gas showed unexpected strength and warded off the worst early effects of the blow that falling oil prices dealt to the government of Alberta — Canada’s chief producing jurisdiction.

Continuing growth in the use of natural gas as fuel for thermal oilsands production is showing on a barometer of industry development: TransCanada Corp.’s Alberta supply collection network, Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL).

Alberta Premier Jim Prentice is highlighting a government reason for persistent growth of oilsands plants and their natural gas use as he canvasses his electorate for politically acceptable revenue alternatives to royalties on production of provincially owned energy resources.

After nearly two decades of mastering turbulent markets for natural gas and liquid byproducts, a Calgary fixture of energy services is making a fresh start in the New Year on taking a leading role in the next generation of Canadian supplies.

While delays of export terminal projects sink hopes for rapid overseas sales of Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG), plans to fill tankers with oilfield liquids remain afloat on the Pacific Coast of British Columbia (BC).

Four years after inspiring a Canadian mineral rights leasing rush, a Louisiana-sized Alberta drilling target — known as the Duvernay among geologists and dubbed “new millennium gold” by stock promoters — is turning out to be a mixed bag.

Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corp. reached out Tuesday for an expanded role in the natural gas liquids (NGL) trade between Canada, the United States and overseas markets with a US$1.15 billion package of deals.

After an encouraging start, the Alberta government has raised official expectations of average natural gas prices for its full fiscal 2014-2015 by 26%.