Energy and how it is captured and consumed is barely viable in tar sands production. While the amount of oil in places such as the tar sands in Alberta or the Orinoco Belt in Venezuela may have deposits of similar size to the reserves of countries such as Saudi Arabia or Iraq, the return of new energy after expending energy in production is not even close. In Iraq, the process of using one barrel of oil generates 100 new barrels. In the tar sands, estimates of 3 to 1 and even as low as 1.5 to 1 have been made. Offsetting the net energy loss would require minimally 25-30 tar sands facilities for one Saudi plant operating at the same capacity.
Ottawa, Dene Tha' reach deal on Mackenzie gas pipeline
Last Updated: Monday, July 23, 2007 | 2:46 PM CT
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2007/07/23/mackenzie-pipeline.html
The federal government and the Dene Tha' First Nation in northwestern Alberta said Monday that they have signed an agreement resolving concerns related to the proposed Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline.
The Indpendent UK offers an interesting perspective on the Tar Sands, yet is somewhat delusional from time to time:
"So it is always going to be within Opec's power to pump its cheap-to-extract conventional oil fast enough to drive the price below the marginal cost of extraction from tar sands."
Ottawa targets pipeline red tape
SHAWN MCCARTHY
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070723.RLUNN23/TPStor...
July 23, 2007
OTTAWA -- Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn says he'll press his American counterpart when they meet today to ensure speedy regulatory review of the major pipeline projects needed to carry growing volumes of oil sands crude to U.S. markets.
Groups keep pressing for long-term review of Mackenzie pipeline project
Last Updated: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 | 9:44 AM CT
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2007/07/17/nwt-pipeline.html
Environmental groups say they will still press for an independent review of the proposed Mackenzie natural gas project, even after their request was turned down last week.
Trade workers closer to striking
Members of 5 major unions vote in favour
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Alberta/2007/07/20/4356422.html
By GLENN KAUTH, SUN MEDIA
Trades workers have taken one step closer to striking after members of five major unions voted in favour of walking off the job.
The Alberta Labour Relations Board has yet to certify the results, but Barry Salmon, media liaison for the labour groups, said Friday unofficial numbers show all five unions have strike mandates.
Demand to Outpace Crude Supplies
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/16/AR200707...
By H. JOSEF HEBERT
Monday, July 16, 2007; 9:25 PM
WASHINGTON -- Conventional crude oil supplies won't keep up with growing global demand in the next 25 years and other fuels from ethanol to liquefied coal and oil from tar sands will be needed to close the gap, says a draft oil industry report.
Oil from shale could meet need
http://news.monstersandcritics.com/energywatch/oilandgas/features/articl...
By Megan Harris Jul 21, 2007, 0:34 GMT
WASHINGTON, DC, United States (UPI) -- Technology to draw oil from rock in Rocky Mountain states and other unconventional sources is getting another look from companies and the government as the demand for energy increases and supply tightens, especially in the United States.
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=a0fadc90-c1fb-4...
China to expand oilsands presence
July 20, 2007
SHANGHAI (Bloomberg) - China National Petroleum Corp., the nation's largest oil producer, plans to expand its cooperation with Canadian partners on oil sands projects, refuting a company official's comment that it will slow down investment.
Concerns raised at pipeline forum
http://www.sewardindependent.com/c21193.html
Paul Fischer
Seward County residents had another opportunity on July 16 to hear discussion on the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline Project at a pipeline safety forum held at the Seward Civic Center.
The forum, hosted by the GFWC Seward Women's Club, Seward League of Women Voters and Seward Citizens on Pipeline Route Committee, consisted of several speakers-each given the floor for 18 minutes-followed by a question-and-answer period.
Imperial, ExxonMobil to explore Beaufort Sea for oil, gas
Last Updated: Thursday, July 19, 2007 | 5:48 PM CT
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2007/07/19/nwt-imperial.html
Imperial Oil Ltd. and sister company ExxonMobil Canada have acquired an exploration licence from the federal government to look for oil and gas in a parcel of the Beaufort Sea, the two companies announced Thursday.
