Alberta Innovates

Emissions from oil sands comparable to other crude oils

The Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI) has released a pair of reports on the Life Cycle Analysis of North American and Imported Crude Oils.

In March 2008, AERI issued a Request for Proposals that invited vendors to bid on the research project that would examine and compare Alberta's oil sands to a variety of other oil sources worldwide on a "well to wheel" basis.

The independent reports demonstrate how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the oil sands derived crude oils are similar to conventional oil production in some areas.

An international panel of experts worked with the consultants to finalize the study scope and provide suggestions regarding data sources and collection.

Jacobs Consultancy Canada Inc. and TIAX LLC. conducted the research and authored the studies.

Life Cycle Analysis Reports Resources:

• Life Cycle Analysis News Release and Backgrounder
• Life Cycle Analysis Presentation
• Questions and Answers About the Life Cycle Analysis Reports
• Life Cycle Analysis Fact Sheet
• New: Life Cycle Analysis and Technology to Decrease Green House Gas Emissions Presentation

Final Report by Jacobs Consultancy Canada Inc.:

• Jacobs Consultancy Executive Summary
• Life Cycle Assessment Comparison of North American and Imported Crudes

Final Report by TIAX LLC.:

• TIAX LLC. Executive Summary
• Comparison of North American and Imported Crude Oil Lifecycle GHG Emissions

Other Studies and Stakeholder Comments:
The Life Cycle Analysis studies have generated a great deal of interest with stakeholders and expert advisors around the world, especially since AERI invited input at three expert study reviews. This page provides a link to some of the comments and critiques that accompany the timelines and the process for development of the reports.

Click here to read more about these comments and studies.