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Updated June 2023

 

Figure S3.3 shows the average daily production of upgraded bitumen in Alberta.

In 2022

Upgraded bitumen production marginally decreased by 0.6 per cent to 181.0 thousand cubic metres per day (103 m3/d) or 1139.1 thousand barrels per day (103 bbl/d).

Highlights

Production data by projects are reported in the ST39: Alberta Mineable Oil Sands Plant Statistics Monthly Supplement. The following are the highlights for 2022 upgraded bitumen production:

  • Upgraded bitumen production fluctuated throughout the year, primarily attributable to planned maintenance at many upgraders.
  • The Syncrude upgrader in 2022 produced near record Synthetic Crude Oil (SCO) by gaining operational efficiencies through interconnecting pipelines between Suncor base mine and Syncrude.
  • With attractive margins on the sale of SCO, Suncor produced upgraded bitumen near its peak by allocating part of its Firebag in situ production to the upgrader and gaining operational efficiencies through its regional integration of the interconnecting pipelines.

Table S3.3 shows upgraded bitumen production by upgrader.

Crude Bitumen In Siti Table S3-3

Forecast for 2023 to 2032

A list of proposed projects considered in the forecast is included in the methodology section. In line with favourable market conditions, upgraded bitumen production volumes are expected to continue their growth in the near term. By 2032, upgraded bitumen production is forecast to reach 198.1 103 m3/d (1246.5 103 bbl/d).

Most of the growth in upgraded production is expected to occur in the first years of the forecast. Operators are expected to maximize utilization rates and pursue optimization projects driven by attractive margins for SCO and favourable market conditions.

As increases in raw bitumen production outpace marginal additions to upgrading capacity, the share of upgraded bitumen in Alberta is expected to decline from 41 per cent in 2022 to 37 per cent by 2032. No new upgrading facilities are assumed to become operational during the forecast period.

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