Analyse de S&P Global Energy
(Calgary) Oil sands greenhouse gas intensity decreased for 13e year in a row, with a decline of 2% in 2025, according to a new analysis from S&P Global Energy.
The research firm said average emissions per barrel of marketable product have fallen 31% since 2009, with a decrease observed in every year except one — in 2012 — during this period.
The most significant progress has been made in mining operations, which have improved their management of waste heat and maintenance.
Although emissions intensity continues to decline, absolute emissions have increased, albeit at a slower rate, S&P Global Energy noted.
Between 2024 and 2025, absolute emissions would have increased by 2% due to an increase in overall production of 150,000 barrels per day.
Kevin Birn, vice president and head of carbon research at S&P Global Energy, explained that if oil sands production increases, absolute emissions are expected to increase without the use of carbon capture and storage technologies.
“The downward trajectory of oil sands emissions intensity is now a well-established trend for several decades,” said Mr. Birn.
“Ongoing optimization efforts to maximize production from existing facilities, which are much more cost-effective than new projects, have been instrumental, and this trend is expected to continue,” he added.
