The greenhouse gas intensity of Canadian oil sands production declined for a 13th straight year in 2025, dropping 2% to 59 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per barrel, according to an analysis by S&P Global Energy. Since 2009, the average GHG intensity has fallen by 31%, or nearly 27 kgCO2e per barrel of marketable product. Kevin Birn, Vice President and Head of Carbon Research at S&P Global Energy, said the downward trajectory is a well-established, multi-decade trend driven by ongoing optimization of existing facilities. Mining operations saw the greatest gains through improved fleet optimization, waste-heat integration, and predictive maintenance, while larger step-out technologies like the Quest carbon capture project and Suncor's coke boiler replacement also contributed. Although intensity continues to decline, absolute emissions rose 2% between 2024 and 2025 as overall production increased by 150,000 barrels per day, and Birn noted that absolute emissions growth could accelerate if production expands without further application of carbon capture, utilization, and storage.
Suncor Energy IncSuncor's coke boiler replacement is cited as a contributor to GHG intensity reduction, highlighting its operational improvements.
S&P Global Inc