Pembina Corporate Consulting

Research and Technical Analysis

Economic Feasibility of Co-Generation: TransCanada

This project identified and developed the business concept for a co-generation unit and a greenhouse heat load in a small central Alberta community. We completed a detailed technical and cost analysis (capital and operating costs), including the economics of the quantified greenhouse-gas offset associated with the project. This project was the third and final phase of a larger project evaluating 20 GHG-reduction opportunities in the community, including wood waste from forestry operations for energy production.

Technology Scan of Lignocellulosic-based Ethanol: National Integrated Petroleum Company

Pembina Corporate Consulting helped a large integrated energy company increase its understanding of the strategic opportunities and risks associated with investing in current and emerging lignocellulosic ethanol technology. The research focused on state-of-the-art lignocellulosic ethanol conversion technologies, and a range of feedstock options in Canada for these technologies.

The conversion technologies investigated were acid hydrolysis, biological hydrolysis and thermochemical conversion using chemical or biological synthesis. Feedstocks examined were city landfill and waste diversion, agricultural waste, wood waste, dedicated biomass crops and dried grains and solubles from distillers. The commercial histories of potential technology providers was also researched and we speculated upon their reliability as suppliers. The Pembina team recommended three technology and feedstock combinations that offered the most robust development platforms to consider. This analysis was used as a key source of information for the company's future investment and strategic planning.

Alternative Fuels in the Cement Industry: Cement Association of Canada

Pembina Corporate Consulting identified and evaluated alternative fuel opportunities and policy options for cement operations in Western Canada. Twenty-nine alternative fuel applications or sources were identified and characterized based on their commercial viability, technical compatibility and environmental and social performance throughout their life cycles.

We proposed key questions for the client to consider with respect to further analysis of the options. They helped the Cement Association determine which fuels it should consider a higher priority. Pembina Corporate Consulting also recommended appropriate approaches to stakeholder engagement when deliberating on these potential options. This analysis has been used to help develop GHG strategies for individual Canadian cement producers.

Biodiesel Production and Marketing in Canada: International Integrated Petroleum Company

This research examined the range of strategic options for producing and marketing a biodiesel product in Canada. The Pembina team's report analyzed the status of technology, environmental impacts, and net costs of production for a number of potential technology providers. We also provided a summary of price structures for purchasing biodiesel from current domestic producers, and an introduction to potential marketing opportunities.

A major focus of our research was an examination of the different feedstocks available to produce biodiesel in Canada. Our analysis included the potential availability of feedstocks by provincial region; the costs per unit of biodiesel product; a comparison of the relative advantages and disadvantages of production for each type of feedstock; and an survey of primary domestic feedstock suppliers. We closely examined the various properties and qualities of biodiesel produced from various "recycled" and "virgin" feedstocks. We looked at potential issues with the storage, blending, and use of biodiesel, as well as strategies for addressing those issues.

Our analysis was used by a large multinational energy company to make investment decisions.