EDMONTON — Alberta’s oilsands are producing significantly more oil while generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions per barrel, according to a provincial report being highlighted as environment ministers from across Canada meet in Calgary.
The annual Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity report shows emissions intensity has fallen 28 per cent since 2012.
Over the same period, annual oilsands production has increased from about 600 million barrels to more than 1.2 billion barrels.
Based on 2024 data, the sector is producing more than 3.3 million barrels per day, nearly 1.7 million barrels more each day than in 2012.
Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter is expected to raise the report during the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment meeting in Calgary on July 14 and 15.
Alberta is hosting environment ministers from across the country for discussions on environmental policy as the province continues pushing Ottawa to accelerate major projects and support increased energy production.
“Under Premier Smith’s leadership, Alberta has seen a steady increase in production and a reduction in emissions per barrel,” Hunter said.
“We are on our way to doubling production while proving that innovation, investment and responsible development can deliver real environmental results.”
Hunter said Alberta’s experience demonstrates economic growth and declining emissions intensity can occur simultaneously.
The province attributes the reduction in emissions per barrel to investment, new technology, more efficient operations and innovation across the oilsands sector.
The report found emissions intensity improved by another two per cent during the latest reporting year.
“Alberta is showing Canada that economic growth and emissions reductions can go hand in hand,” Hunter said.
The province says it will use the national meeting to promote what it describes as practical, results-driven environmental policies capable of supporting investment, employment and faster development of major projects.
The Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity report uses facility-level emissions and production information submitted by regulated oilsands operators.
It measures greenhouse gas emissions intensity in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per barrel of oilsands bitumen produced and processed.
The report uses 2024 data, the most recent complete reporting year available.
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