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U. Calgary analysis of energy balances and emissions of SAGD oil sands production finds need for improved processes; some operations not thermally efficient or net generators of energy

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Plot of cumulative steam-to-oil ratio (cSOR) vs. ratio of energy produced in form of chemical energy contained in bitumen if combusted to energy injected in form of steam (75% efficient steam generation). One of the key challenges in producing bitumen and heavy oil is their high, variable viscosity. From Gates and Larter (2013).

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Canada oil sands producers form alliance to improve environmental performance

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Twelve of Canada’s oil sands producers have formed a new alliance, Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA), focused on accelerating the pace of improving environmental performance in Canada’s oil sands through collaborative action and innovation. This would improve plant reliability.

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Researchers propose framework for CCS infrastructure optimization to reduce GHG emissions from oil sands extraction and processing

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The width of the pipeline network (green lines) is proportional to CO 2 flow; the largest CO 2 flow is approximately 36 MtCO 2 / yr for the $155/tCO 2 scenario (pipeline leaving the Athabasca oil sands area). The Alberta oil sands industry is expected to rapidly expand in coming decades; production could double or more in the next 10?15

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Shell begins production from Scotford Upgrader Expansion in oil sands

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The 100,000 barrels-per-day expansion takes upgrading capacity at Scotford to 255,000 barrels-per-day of heavy oil from the Athabasca oil sands. The Scotford Upgrader processes oil sands bitumen from the Muskeg River Mine and Jackpine Mine.

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Canada and Alberta to Invest C$865M in Athabasca Oil Sands Carbon Capture and Storage Project

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The provincial government of Alberta and the federal government of Canada will invest C$865 million (US$822 million) in a large-scale Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project in the Athabasca oil sands. A total of $100 million has been budgeted this fiscal year for engineering and design work.

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Building materials recycler switches fleet to Neste renewable diesel

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Since forming in 2013, Argent Materials, a San Francisco Bay Area recycler of concrete and asphalt, and supplier of aggregate such as crushed rock, entry, cutback, sand, backfill and base rock for construction projects, has diverted more than a billion pounds of waste from local landfills. There’s no change in engine performance.

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Cenovus increased oil sands production by 14% year-on-year in Q3; Wedge Wells for increased recovery and lower steam-to-oil ratio

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a Canadian integrated oil company, reported an increase in third quarter crude oil production year-on-year of about 4% due to oil sands production that was 14% higher compared with the same period a year earlier. Conventional oil production slightly declined due to a combination of factors. Cenovus Energy Inc.,

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