Absolute greenhouse gas emissions from Canadian oilsands near-flat in 2023 even as production grew

The slowdown in absolute emissions growth has occurred even as oilsands production continues to increase. Compared to 2019, absolute emissions were 3% higher (3 million metric t of carbon dioxide) in 2023. Meanwhile, oilsands production grew by 9% (250 000 bpd) over the same period. By contrast, in the preceding decade (2010 - 19), absolute emissions increased, on average, by nearly 3 million metric t of carbon dioxide per year while production grew at an annual average of 200 000 bpd.

“The years-long trend of declining greenhouse gas intensity, coupled with slower production growth continues to slow the rise of absolute emissions,” said Kevin Birn, Vice President, Canadian Oil Markets Chief Analyst and Head of Centre for Emissions Excellence, S&P Global Commodity Insights. “The fact that the rate of production additions is outstripping emissions growth indicates that the production that is coming forward is of a much lower intensity than the overall average.”

The S&P Global Commodity Insights Oil Sands Dialogue analysis finds that the average GHG intensity of oilsands production fell to 58 kg of “carbon dioxide equivalent” per barrel (kgCO₂e/bbl) in 2023, the most recent year that S&P Global Commodity Insights estimates are available. Since 2009 the average GHG intensity of oil sands production has declined by nearly 28% or nearly 23 kgCO₂e/b of marketable product.

S&P Global Commodity Insights has previously noted that the lower pace of absolute emissions growth may indicate oilsands emissions could peak sooner, and at a lower level than previously expected. The latest analysis, based on 2023 operations, continues to suggest this could be the case. Nevertheless, absolute emissions are still expected to rise in the near term due to more pronounced production additions expected in the next few years.

“Anticipated production additions are expected to outstrip intensity reductions in the near term, and that means that greater decarbonisation efforts from the sector will likely be required to meet the proposed federal oil and gas emissions limit by 2030,” said Birn. “Bringing sufficient carbon and storage capacity online in just a few short years will be a challenge. However, the slower pace of emissions additions could make the proposed 2030 emissions limit more achievable.”

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/08112024/absolute-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-canadian-oilsands-near-flat-in-2023-even-as-production-grew/