Energy reporter Geoff Dembicki's Tyee Solutions Society series explores whether and how innovative technology and policies are folding the oil sands into a larger national narrative of transition to a greener energy future for Canada. Along the way he interviews industry insiders, scientists, engineers and policy experts who share their often surprising perspectives on how to get from here to a greener society.
In This Series
Could Alberta's 'Tar' Pave the Road to a Green Canada?
Steps to an oil sands we can live with. First in a Tyee Solutions Society series.
Oil Sands Carbon: When Money and Morals Align
Why the oilpatch is already preparing to surf the green wave it sees coming. Second in a series.
Canada's Oil Insiders Want a Carbon Tax
Surprising as that sounds, interviews reveal a business community consensus based on economics. Third in a Tyee Solutions Society series.
To Spur Innovation, What Price to Put on Oil Sands Carbon?
BC and Alberta each have pioneered policies that help to answer that question.
Using Bitumen to Fuel Green Energy
Alberta already invests some carbon taxes in low emissions tech. But sky's the limit say industry insiders. Fifth in a series.
A Greener Way to Get Bitumen?
Extracting oil sands crude is energy intensive, making it one of the 'dirtiest' fuels. Fixable? Sixth in a series.
Alberta's Gamble on Sticking CO2 Back in the Earth
The high price and distant hope for carbon sequestration. Part seven of a Tyee Solutions Society series.
On Oil Sands, Ottawa's Not Hearing What Alberta's Saying
If you thought the oil patch firmly favours Canada's federal stance on carbon emissions, think again. Last in a series on greening the oil sands.
Cleantech Firms Want a Shot at Fixing Oil Sands
Opportunities for breakthroughs? We found five. Today's story is about the first: thirsty beads.
Oil Sands Cleanup Opportunity #2: Pay As You Go
A 'play now, pay later' policy discourages clean investment, say experts. Second in a series.
Oil Sands Cleanup Opportunity #3: Harvest Heavy Minerals
Process cleans tailing ponds, pays for itself. Why does industry balk? Third in series.
Oil Sands Cleanup Opportunity #4: Restore Subsidies for Innovation
Scaled back federal support for new tech frustrates top oil patch execs.
What's Holding Back High-Tech Oil Sands Cleanups?
We found five opportunities. Here's the last, capping Geoff Dembicki's surprising series.