The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) has released its annual report on pipeline operating performance. CEPA says Canada’s pipelines continue to operate safely.
Read more: Alberta government report confirms outstanding pipeline safety
In the midst of a pandemic, CEPA members safely delivered natural gas and oil across Canada and for export to nations throughout the world. In 2020, more than 1.3 billion barrels of crude oil and more than 4.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas were transported and delivered through some 95,500 kilometres of pipelines across the country.
Report highlights include:
- 1,737 digs to examine pipelines for defects and make repairs.
- $1.2 billion invested in maintenance and monitoring of pipeline systems.
- $10.6 million invested in technology focused on reducing pipeline corrosion and improving pipeline inspection, leak detection and damage prevention.
Read more: Lack of pipelines cost Canada billions
Pipeline Incidents
There were four incidents on crude oil or liquids pipelines, of which one – a release of 566 barrels of oil – was considered significant. There were 15 releases on natural gas pipelines, none were significant. A “significant incident” includes one or more of the following: serious injury or fatality, liquid release of greater than eight cubic metres (50 barrels), unintentional ignition or fire, or rupture or break of a pipeline.
All spilled or released material was cleaned up.
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“Canadian natural gas and oil continues to play a critical role in the energy mix now and as the world transitions to a low-carbon energy future. This year’s performance report highlights CEPA members’ innovation and continuous improvement in creating a sustainable energy future for Canada,” said Chris Bloomer, president and chief executive officer of CEPA.
About CEPA
The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association consists of transmission pipeline companies responsible for transporting the majority of Canada’s natural gas and crude oil to markets across North America. For almost three decades, CEPA members have been working together to safely and responsibly transport the natural gas and oil, and increasingly hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and biofuels, that Canada and the world need.
In 2020, CEPA member activities resulted in 11,035 full-time equivalent jobs in Canada. CEPA members continue to make significant investments in pipeline infrastructure – a total of $7.2 billion in 2020.
