Prior to completing two independent studies, there was a common misperception that emissions from Alberta's oil sands production were up to three-times higher than conventional crude oil. The direct life cycle analysis studies demonstrated convincingly that there is a wide range of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for conventional crudes depending on many factors, including reservoir conditions, production methods, crude quality and product requirements. Previous studies used a simplified model representation for calculating direct emissions from different crude oil sources. Energy and Environment Solutions' analysis represents the first scientific comparison of GHG emissions from domestic, imported and oil sands oils processed in U.S. refineries, where individual energy pathways were modeled in detail.
In general, US domestic and imported heavy oil crudes have similar emissions as the oil sand crudes that are refined in the US. Compared to conventional oil, oil sands crudes have about 10 per cent higher GHG emissions. This difference disappears when we consider potential credit for co-generation of heat and power, where some of the excess power generated using natural gas is transferred to the electric grid, thereby displacing coal fired electricity.
This important research, conducted by Jacobs Consultancy Canada and TIAX LLC, was initiated in 2008 and completed and released in 2009. Energy and Environment Solutions invested $921,360 to finish this Analysis, which is now being used by US states as a benchmark for evaluating carbon content of fuels and the introduction of low carbon fuel standards. This is a significant achievement given past beliefs about oil sands derived crude in relation to the carbon content of imported and US domestic crudes. A key consideration is that emissions from the oil sands will continue to decline as new technologies are field tested and commercialized, which is essentially the mandate of Energy and Environment Solutions.
Impact: This report enhances and strengthens Alberta's global position and demonstrates the province is on the right track when it comes to advancing technologies like carbon capture, storage, gasification and novel bitumen upgrading. This research is now accessible to researchers and policy-makers around the world.
Read more about the Jacobs Consultancy Canada and TIAX LLC studies here.
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