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Average carbon intensity of oil sands production has dropped ~36% in last 40 years; still 12-24% higher than conventional oil CI

Green Car Congress

The carbon intensity (CI) of Alberta oil sands production has significantly decreased over the last 40 years, according to a new study by a team from Stanford University published as an open access paper in the journal Environmental Research Letters. the Shell Quest project) could result in significant reductions in oil sands CI.

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Alberta publishes report assessing non-combustion uses for bitumen, opens $2M call for projects

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Following a 2017 report that identified potential products that could be made from Alberta oil sands bitumen, this new study identifies the top potential uses to help Alberta diversify its economy outside of conventional fuels and chemical feedstocks. Vanadium flow batteries for electricity storage. fly ash and coke).

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Stanford, UC Santa Cruz study explores ramifications of demand-driven peak to conventional oil

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In contrast to arguments that peak conventional oil production is imminent due to physical resource scarcity, a team from Stanford University and UC Santa Cruz has examined the alternative possibility of reduced oil use due to improved efficiency and oil substitution. 2010, to above 140 $/bbl in constant 2010 dollars).

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Argonne releases latest updates to GREET life-cycle analysis models

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Shale oil: developed energy and GHG emissions intensities of U.S. shale oil production with operation data from Bakken and Eagle Ford plays. Oil sands: updated GHG emission intensities for Canadian oil sands pathways for surface mining and in-situ technologies.

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New “inverse vulcanization” process produces polymeric sulfur that can function as high performance electrodes for Li-S batteries

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Battery cycling data for poly(S-r-DIB) (10 wt% DIB, C/10 rate). A University of Arizona-led international research team has developed a simple process for making lightweight plastics from elemental sulfur; the team has successfully used a new polymeric sulfur produced via the process as an electrode material for lithium-sulfur batteries.

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Heating Buildings With Solar Energy Stored in Sand

Cars That Think

When we turn up the heat in our homes and workplaces, we must balance our personal need for warmth with the global impact of burning fossil fuels like oil, gas, coal, and biomass. The hot air is circulated through a network of pipes inside a sand-filled heat storage vessel. There is nothing special here!” Eronen says, laughing.

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ExxonMobil Outlook: 35% growth in energy demand by 2040; hybrids to account for ~50% of new vehicle sales

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This slower growth is attributed to the relatively higher cost of the vehicles, driven by the cost of batteries. China will see the largest increase—more than 4 million oil-equivalent barrels per day. The outlook projects that oil and natural gas will continue to meet about 60% of energy needs by 2040. Source: ExxonMobil.

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