Alberta’s oil sands industry is producing more oil with fewer emissions per barrel, according to a new report released by the provincial government. The 2023 Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Analysis shows a 26% reduction in emissions intensity since 2012, with a 4% drop from the previous year.At the same time, oil sands production has surged by 96% over the past decade, reaching 1.56 million barrels per day. Despite this growth, overall greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta have declined, supporting findings from the federal government’s 2025 National Inventory Report. That report highlights Alberta’s 2.1-million-tonne emissions reduction between 2022 and 2023 — the largest decrease of any province or territory.Provincial data also show emissions reductions across multiple sectors of Alberta’s economy. Since 2015, overall emissions are down 9% while energy production is up 20%. Emissions from conventional oil have dropped 19%, transportation emissions are down 12%, and heavy industry has seen an 8% reduction. Emissions from natural gas production and processing have declined 24%, methane emissions are down 52% since 2014, and electricity emissions have fallen by 45%.Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz said the findings reflect Alberta’s leadership in responsible energy development.“The 2023 report shows our oil sands sector is producing more energy with fewer emissions per barrel — a clear sign of innovation and commitment that comes from working with producers,” Schulz said. “We’re proud to lead Canada in absolute emissions reductions. We don’t need top-down policies from the federal government to do this, and we’ll continue to drive common sense progress that benefits both our economy and the environment.”Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean added that Alberta’s role in energy security remains critical.“Albertans have always been at the forefront of innovation and produce the most responsible oil in the world,” said Jean. “With our vast reserves, we have the ability to bring energy security to North America and our Asian trading partners and continue to fuel our economy for generations to come.”
