GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Global Refining Industry Outlook to 2026 – Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook with Details of All Operating and Planned Refineries’, says that the North America refining capacity increased from 24,145 thousand barrels of oil per day (mbd) in 2016 to 24,021mbd in 2021, at an Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of 0.1%. It is expected to increase from 24,021mbd in 2021 to 24,731mbd in 2026, at an AAGR of 0.6%.

The US, Canada and Mexico are the three countries that accounted for total refining capacity in 2021.

The US had the highest refining capacity in 2021, with 18,977mbd. Other countries in terms of refining capacity were Canada and Mexico with 3,403mbd and 1,640mbd, respectively. Canada witnessed the highest capacity growth during 2016 to 2021, with an AAGR of 1.7%, among the countries, followed by Mexico with 0.5%.

In North America, three countries had active refineries, with a total refining capacity of 24,021mbd in 2021. Port Arthur II, Texas City III, Garyville, Baytown and Baton Rouge were some of the largest active refineries.

By 2026, nine new refineries are expected to commence operations in North America. Dos Bocas, Mexico; Heartland, Canada; Edmonton II, Canada; and Brownsville, US are some of the largest upcoming refineries in North America during the 2022 to 2026 outlook period.