A CRUDE WAY OF THINKING

The Alberta oilsands are considered either a blessing or curse by various individuals and/or groups around the globe. Many who side with a climate change agenda consider the oilsands as a blight on and/or threat to the planet. Those who think well of the oilsands see the vast potential for what is the largest oil reserve on the planet. Although it is being done, the process of converting the bitumen contained in the oilsands to fuel is difficult, energy-intensive and expensive. For that reason, Alberta is focusing upon and investing in research and development to convert material in Alberta’s oilsands into non-fuel products, including asphalt, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, polyurethanes, and controlled-release fertilizers.