Mapping a next generation of oil sands products beyond combustible fuels

Bitumen Beyond Combustion

In collaboration with provincial government representatives and other participating industry partners, our team is leading a study with Alberta Innovates on its Bitumen Beyond Combustion initiative. The objective? To identify new and future markets for oil sands products beyond combustible fuels. To that end, we’ve brought together a specialized team of experts in oil sands, minerals processing, metallurgy, and the petroleum and petrochemical sectors. The result? Specialized technology, economic wisdom, and advanced marketing capabilities.

Alberta’s oil sands—one of the world’s largest hydrocarbon deposits—is expected to grow. Currently, efforts are aimed at producing combustion products. But the unique nature of the hydrocarbon deposit, as well as methods of extraction, allows for establishing other markets for oil sands products. It also promotes the production of highly-valued, non-combustion products.

Our work involves assessing different markets and products to determine areas of focus for future development. In line with emerging industries and innovative technology, not only will this initiative help diversify the Alberta economy, but it will contribute to the long-term viability and ongoing profitability of the oil sands.

If you’d like to learn more, check out our webinar series with an Introduction to Bitumen Beyond Combustion, a focus on Carbon Fibres and Uses, and a focus on Polymers.