Canada's oilsands emissions intensity falls for sixth year
Article content
Canada's oilsands industry reduced its emissions per barrel for the sixth straight year in 2023, even as one growing portion of the sector moved in the opposite direction, according to new Alberta government data released Thursday.
Article content
The emissions intensity of all oilsands sites fell to the equivalent of 0.399 metric tons of carbon dioxide per cubic meter of bitumen produced, down from 0.404 in 2022, the data show. The gain reflects improvements at oilsands mines, where bitumen is dug from the ground. However, in situ oilsands, which use wells similar to traditional oil producers, saw emissions per barrel rise.
Article content
Article content
Even with the efficiency improvement, total emissions rose to the equivalent 80.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, up from 78.8 million in 2022, the data show. That's the highest in data back to 2011.
Article content
Article content
The oilsands' declining energy intensity — to the lowest in data stretching back to 2011 — is welcome news for an industry that has struggled with a reputation for being climate unfriendly, prompting some investors to shun it altogether. However, the rising emissions intensity at well sites presents a challenge for the sector, as the method's lower costs make it increasingly popular among producers.
Article content
While the average intensity of oilsands producers is higher than the average for the global oil industry overall, drillers' emissions profiles vary widely around the world, said Kevin Birn, chief analyst for Canadian oil markets for S&P Global.
Article content
Article content
The oilsands 'fits well within the range of carbon intensity of oil and gas we see in the world,' Birn said in an interview.
Article content
Article content
All of the oilsands mines reduced their emissions intensity with Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.'s Horizon making the biggest gain for the year.
Article content
In situ production facilities, which include the more than 250,000 barrel-a-day Suncor Energy Inc. Firebag site and Cenovus Energy Inc.'s Christina Lake, inject steam into the ground to pump the viscous bitumen out of the earth. The emissions intensity of such facilities, the source of about 52 per cent of the bitumen produced in the oilsands, rose to 0.426 in 2023 from 0.417 a year earlier.
Article content
In situ sites' emissions intensity can increase for a range of reasons, including simply through the addition of new wells, because steam is injected into the ground long before bitumen is produced, Birn said.
Article content
The biggest emissions intensity increases for large producing sites came from Strathcona Resources Ltd.'s Tucker, where intensity has been rising each year since 2018, the data show. The biggest drop happened at Canadian Natural's Wolf Lake and Primrose Plant.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
44 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canadian, European space agencies reaffirm relations amid political, economic anxiety
LONGUEUIL – The Canadian and European space agencies say economic and geopolitical turmoil are forcing them to work closer together. Leaders at both organizations signed a joint statement today at Canadian Space Agency headquarters south of Montreal reaffirming their co-operation. Josef Aschbacher, director general of the European Space Agency, says space programs are having to contend with economic uncertainty and global conflicts. His visit comes as the United States is pressuring NATO members to increase their spending on defence — a sector of the economy that is tightly linked to space. As well, Aschbacher says the United States' space agency — NASA — could be facing deep budget cuts. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Canadian Space Agency president Lisa Campbell says that in uncertain times it's important to reaffirm relationships with like-minded allies. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Cision Canada
Westbridge Renewable Provides Update on Normal Course Issuer Bid
TORONTO, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Westbridge Renewable Energy Corporation (TSXV: WEB), (OTCQX: WEGYF), (FRA: PUQ) (" Westbridge", " Westbridge Renewable" or the " Company") announced today that the TSX Venture Exchange (the " TSXV") has approved the commencement by Westbridge Renewable of a normal course issuer bid program (the " NCIB"). The Company wishes to clarify that the NCIB will commence on June 11, 2025 and will terminate on June 10, 2026 or on an earlier date if the maximum number of common shares sought in the NCIB has been repurchased, instead of June 9, 2025 and June 8, 2026, respectively, as previously announced. About Westbridge Renewable Energy Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp. originates, develops, and monetizes best-in-class, utility-scale solar PV projects. The Company has a portfolio of projects in four key jurisdictions, Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Italy. Westbridge plans to deliver attractive, long-term returns by originating, executing, and developing an international portfolio of renewable assets for investors and utilities. Management has a strong track-record with 40+ projects developed worldwide, obtaining, and executing projects. As one of the very few listed pure-play Canadian solar development companies, Westbridge provides its investors with valuable access to greenfield solar projects. This means the Company can invest at the earliest stage of solar energy development benefiting from the full value chain, as well as the expected wider adoption of renewable energy going forward. Westbridge brings together regulators, corporate buyers, and landowners with the goal of delivering clean, sustainable electricity to end users. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this document contains forward-looking information and statements including, without limitation, purchases of the Shares made under the NCIB and the timing thereof, the duration of the NCIB, the management's business strategy, management's assessment of future plans and operations. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future, including the duration of the NCIB, the purchases of the Shares if at all, as there is no assurance the NCIB will be completed for the full term or at all. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "potential" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding future performance and outlook. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties relating to Company's ability to obtain regulatory approval or at all. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. SOURCE Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp.
Cision Canada
2 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada introduces legislation to build One Canadian Economy
OTTAWA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, introduced new legislation to build a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient Canadian economy. One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act, will remove federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, and advance nation-building projects crucial for driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security, and economic competitiveness. Advancing Major Projects The proposed legislation will accelerate the realization of major, nation-building projects that will help Canada become the strongest economy in the G7, deepen our trade relationships with reliable partners, and create good Canadian jobs. The federal government will determine whether a major project is in the national interest based on consultations with provinces, territories and Indigenous Peoples. Projects will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria: Strengthen Canada's autonomy, resilience and security; Provide economic or other benefits to Canada; Have a high likelihood of successful execution; Advance the interests of Indigenous Peoples; and Contribute to clean growth and to Canada's objectives with respect to climate change. Projects will only be designated following full consultation with affected Indigenous Peoples. When a project is designated, it is conditionally approved upfront. The project will go through existing review processes, with a focus on "how" the project will be built as opposed to "whether" it can be. The federal major projects office will coordinate and expedite these reviews. The results, along with consultation with Indigenous Peoples, will inform a single set of binding federal conditions for the project. These conditions would include mitigation and accommodation measures to protect the environment and to respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The federal major projects office will include an Indigenous Advisory Council with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis representatives. The federal government will also allocate capacity funding to strengthen Indigenous Peoples' participation in this process. This legislation aligns with the Government of Canada's commitment to a 'one project, one review' approach, which means realizing a single assessment for projects and better coordination of permitting processes with the provinces and territories. The ultimate objective is to reduce decision timelines on major projects from five years down to two years. Canada will uphold its constitutional obligations to consult Indigenous groups to ensure projects proceed in ways that respect and protect Indigenous rights. We are committed to working in a way that respects our commitments to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the principles of reconciliation, including economic reconciliation. Removing Internal Trade and Labour Mobility Barriers This new legislation builds one economy out of thirteen. It removes federal barriers to free trade within our borders while protecting workers, the environment and the health and safety of all Canadians. In cases where there is a federal barrier, the legislation will allow a good or service that meets comparable provincial or territorial rules to be considered to have met federal requirements for internal trade. For Canadian businesses, this will make it easier to buy, sell and transport goods and services across the country. On labour mobility, the new legislation will provide a framework to recognize provincial and territorial licenses and certifications for workers. This means that a worker authorized in provincial or territorial jurisdiction can more quickly and easily work in the same occupation in federal jurisdiction. This new legislation will make it easier to do business across Canada by removing regulatory duplication and cutting federal red tape. It will also reduce costs or delays for Canadian businesses who follow comparable provincial and territorial rules. Quotes "Canada's new government is building one Canadian economy. Today's legislation will remove federal barriers to internal trade, unleash Canada's economic potential, and get major, nation-building projects built faster across the country. It's time to build big, build bold, and build now." —The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada "Our country thrives when we unite around a common purpose. In response to the evolving global trade landscape, the Government of Canada is taking decisive action to strengthen Canada's economy for generations to come. Through this legislation, we are giving ourselves the means to lift obstacles to economic growth and productivity, realize nation-building projects, create jobs and allow businesses to expand. Together with provinces and territories and Indigenous communities, we will make Canada the strongest economy in the G7." —The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy "Trade within Canada is an essential driver of the Canadian economy, creating jobs, helping businesses expand, and enhancing consumer choice. Every year, more than $530 billion worth of goods and services move across provincial and territorial borders. This is equal to almost 20% of Canada's gross domestic product. That is with internal barriers holding us back. Imagine what we could achieve if people and goods flowed freely across borders in a truly unified Canadian market." —The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade "This new legislation is about building a stronger, more connected Canada—by making it easier to trade, faster to build big projects, and better at creating good opportunities for people, businesses, and Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast. Energy and natural resources are Canada's power, and we will deliver projects that leverage these assets in order to strengthen our security, sovereignty, and economy." Associated Links Internal Trade Clean Growth Office First Ministers' statement on building a strong Canadian economy and advancing major projects Prime Minister Carney meets with premiers and shares his plan to build one strong Canadian economy Stay Connected SOURCE President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy Contact : For more information (media only), please contact: Gabriel Brunet, Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, 819-665-6527, [email protected]; Laura Scaffidi, Office of the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, 613-993-0055, [email protected]; Carolyn Svonkin, Office of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, 343-597-1725, [email protected]; Media Relations, Privy Council Office, 613-957-5420, [email protected]
