I am extremely sceptical of the proposals to sequester carbon dioxide in geologic formations as a means of addressing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. However, I believe there are enormous opportunities for increases in efficiency and the use of renewable fuels and other innovative approaches in mining the oilsands. These could include the use of solar and geothermal energy as pre-heating steps, instead of natural gas; and the re-use of water instead of constant use of fresh groundwater in the processes. However, so long as consumers keep demanding the finished products (gasoline, heating oil, diesel fuel) and the price points are attractive, don't expect the majors to stop harvesting the oilsands for environmental or climate change reasons.
Darryl Article follows. ====================================================== OTTAWA - It has been blamed as one of the big villains causing global warming, but a new study by PricewaterhouseCoopers has concluded that Alberta's oilsands could play a key role in saving the planet from the effects of climate change. The consulting firm suggests Canada and other G7 countries must take the lead to tackle global warming through various strategies to improve energy efficiency, increase use of renewable fuels and developing carbon capture and storage technology. Under a "Green Growth Plus" plan, the firm estimates a 17% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions, thanks in part to geological formations in Western Canada that are suitable for storing carbon underground. "I think what's surprising about [the report] is the emphasis that carbon capture and storage has on the best-scenario case and how Western Canada can actually help with climate change through carbon capture and storage," said Christine Schuh, Canadian climate change leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers. With no strategy in place, Ms. Schuh said greenhouse gas emissions would double around the world by 2050. However, the green growth plan would require the G7 countries to reduce their overall emissions by 51% between 2004 and 2050, while the emerging economies of China, India, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey could increase their emissions by 29%. Ms. Schuh said it would still allow for modest economic growth of about 3% in GDP. "It will shift the economy around," said Ms. Schuh, based in Calgary. "I think what will happen is we'll have a more energy-efficient economy, and probably stimulate technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That could mean a carbon-restricted future." Another study released yesterday by the David Suzuki Foundation had harsh criticism for the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments because of rising greenhouse gas emissions and a lack of action on climate change. While Saskatchewan has the highest greenhouse gas emissions proportional to its economy and population, Alberta represents the biggest threat because it produces the largest amount of emissions overall. "Both Saskatchewan and Alberta are at the bottom of the list, but it's pretty easy to argue that Saskatchewan is actually worse," said Dale Marshall, a climate change policy analyst at the foundation. He noted that a 2005 study by Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada concluded that oil producers could slash greenhouse gas emissions by 29 megatonnes through investments to improve their efficiency. The industry study concluded the investments would be recuperated through new savings on operations. Quebec, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island garnered the most praise in the Suzuki report for establishing serious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The foundation also praised B.C. for continuing to protect agricultural land. _______________________________________________ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
