Tar sands (oil sands) have potential to provide a significant fraction of future global oil demand but there are concerns, acknowledged in an EC Fuel Quality Directive, about their environmental impact, not least on greenhouse gas emissions.
Tar sands (161 KB , PDF)
Tar sands (or oil sands) are a naturally occurring mixture of sand, clay or other minerals, water and bitumen. According to the International Energy Agency, Canadian oil sands are expected to assume a rapidly expanding role in meeting future oil demand. However, there are environmental concerns associated with, among other things, the carbon dioxide (CO2) released during the extraction and processing of tar sands to produce useable fuel. Other environmental issues relate to water use, mining waste and deforestation.
The EC Fuel Quality Directive, as amended, introduces the requirement for fuel and energy suppliers (principally those providing fuel and energy for land-based transport, and other non-road mobile machinery) to reduce the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of the fuel/energy that they supply by 6% per unit of energy by 2020. The European Commission has published a draft directive which sets out a methodology for determining greenhouse gas emissions; this differentiates the natural bitumen in tar sands from conventional crude oil. The Canadian Government has argued that such discrimination is unfair and not based on credible science.
Tar sands (161 KB , PDF)
An Estimates Day debate on the spending of the Department for Work and Pensions on the cost of living measures will take place in the House of Commons Chamber on Tuesday 5 July 2022.
A Westminster Hall debate on the energy efficiency of homes in the north of England is scheduled for Wednesday 6 July 2022, from 2:30-4:00pm. The debate will be led by Peter Gibson MP.
A Westminster Hall debate on the British Energy Security Strategy is scheduled for Tuesday 5 July 2022, from 2:30-4:00pm. The debate will be led by Mick Whitley MP.