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Emissions from conventional oil and natural gas sector fell 24 per cent in the last decade, CAPP analysis shows

CALGARY — From 2012 to 2021, conventional natural gas and oil producers lowered their absolute scope 1 carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by 24 per cent while growing total production by 21 per cent.

The analysis completed by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers of the most recently available Government of Canada production and emissions data shows Canada has the ability to grow its production and role as a secure provider of responsibly produced energy while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The analysis shows that between 2012 and 2021:

• Natural gas production rose by 35 per cent while CO2e emissions fell by 22 per cent. In that same period, natural gas producers reduced methane emissions by 38 percent.
• Conventional oil production remained relatively flat (down 9 per cent) with CO2e emissions from production dropping by 27 per cent – demonstrating the work producers have done to lower their emissions intensity.
• Conventional producers have driven down methane emissions from total natural gas and oil production by 34 percent and methane emissions intensity by 46 percent.

The data used in the analysis includes the Government of Canada’s National Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions along with production data from Statistics Canada. Conventional production refers to all oil and natural gas production outside of Canada’s oil sands.

“When we talk about growing Canada’s role as a responsible provider of natural gas and oil to the world – emissions performance is one of those measures,” said Lisa Baiton, CAPP President and CEO. “Canada’s conventional producers are demonstrating we can grow energy production to address energy security while also lowering emissions.”