Oil sands companies are working together, building on each other’s expertise and collaborating with universities, government and research institutes on energy efficiency projects that reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and the production of associated GHG emissions. We are also exploring the use of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) options, a technology successfully used in other countries to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from large industrial facilities such as coal, oil and gas facilities and other industrial operations before the CO2 is emitted to the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then transported through pipelines for permanent storage in deep, secure underground formations.

The GHG EPA identified key issues facing the industry and is working to address the following:

  • improving energy efficiency in all aspects of oil sands operations, including the production of steam for in situ (in place) recovery of bitumen;
  • recovering waste heat for reuse;
  • design and operating best practices;
  • measurement, monitoring, and verification;
  • reducing flaring, venting, and fugitive emissions;
  • CCS of CO2 from steam generators and other large oil sands facilities;
  • producing alternative energy; and
  • exploring regional opportunities to reduce GHG emissions with non-industry parties.

COSIA is the overarching collaborative hub within which companies set priorities, drive and share innovation and accelerate the pace of environmental performance improvements.

Examples of current projects include: