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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

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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. Click to enlarge.

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Cenovus receives approval for Grand Rapids oil sands project; capacity to reach 180,000 bbls/d

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received approval from the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) for its 100%-owned Grand Rapids thermal oil sands project. Once a decision is made to proceed with Grand Rapids, Cenovus will be able to rely on existing infrastructure, including roads, power and camps at its Pelican Lake conventional heavy oil operation.

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Understanding the variability of GHG life cycle studies of oil sands production

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In a paper published in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology , Stanford University assistant professor Adam Brandt reviews a number of recent life cycle assessment (LCA) studies calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from oil sands extraction, upgrading, and refining pathways—the results of which vary considerably.

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Carbon Capture at Totals Joslyn Oil Sands Project Not Likely Until Around 2020

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Total will not use carbon capture technology in the first phase of its Joslyn North Mine oil sands project, citing excessive cost. In 2009, the company suggested it was considering carbon capture and storage in its oil sands projects in Canada. In July, Total E&P Canada Ltd. Earlier post.).

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Utah Water Quality Board upholds issuance of permit for oil sands mine in Utah

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The Utah Water Quality Board, in a 9-2 vote this week, agreed with the August 2012 recommendations of an administrative law judge (ALJ) upholding a permit-by-rule issued by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) for the proposed PR Spring an oil sands mine on state land in eastern Utah. USOS bitumen extraction process. Source: USOS.

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Report finds diluted oil sands bitumen not more corrosive than comparable heavy crude in pipelines

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Transmitting oil sands production. Synthetic crude is produced by upgrading bitumen and is a blend of naphtha, distillate and gas oil range materials produced by hydrotreating the naphtha, distillate and gas oil generated in a delayed coking unit.).

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Alberta approves Cenovus Narrows Lake oil sands project with demo and phase-in of solvent aided process to improve steam-oil ratio and production rate

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to proceed with its Narrows Lake oil sands project, with an ultimate gross production capacity of 130,000 barrels per day. SAP combines steam injection with solvents, such as butane, to help bring the oil to the surface. Cenovus also anticipates that SAP may increase total oil recovery by as much as 15%. Earlier post.).

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