Alberta oil sands systems guide

Greenhouse-gas emissions from oil sands systems

Oil sands emissions arise from fuel combustion, steam generation, upgrading, mine equipment, hydrogen production and fugitive sources.

GHGEnvironment

Editorial review: August 11, 2026 · Colin T. Ashcombe

Process role

Mining/upgrading and thermal in situ have different emissions profiles.

How the system fits together

Efficiency, solvent-assisted recovery, electrification, methane control and carbon-capture work aim to reduce emissions or emissions intensity.

Environmental and reclamation context

Federal reporting and research show that oil sands remain a significant source of Canadian industrial greenhouse-gas emissions, and some measurement studies have identified gaps in older estimates.

What to keep in mind

Progress in intensity or technology should be acknowledged without confusing it with elimination of sector emissions.

High-level industrial education only. Oil sands mines, thermal wells, extraction plants, upgraders and tailings facilities are hazardous regulated operations; this site does not provide operating setpoints, chemical recipes or equipment procedures.