Canada Overview

Canada: New Frontiers in Energy

The world’s third largest holder of oil reserves, third largest natural gas producer and biggest source of US energy imports, Canada – fuelled by abundant oil sands – is now looking east to Asian markets as US demand levels off, production rises and the Keystone XL pipeline project drags on.

Chinese companies, including PetroChina and its China National Petroleum Corporation parent company have invested in the oil sands and other parts of Canada’s energy sector.

The participation of international oil companies, both private and state-owned, in Canada’s oil industry has risen rapidly. With 168 billion barrels as of the end of 2013, the oil sands represent 96 percent of Canada’s oil reserves. However, getting oil sands bitumen to market is no easy task. In order for the oil sands region to reach its potential, significant challenges must be overcome.

Undaunted by the challenges and renowned for its innovative companies and operators used to working in unconventional reservoirs Canada is determined to get maximum benefit out of its massive supply of hydrocarbons, including its 2 tcm (71 tcf) of proved natural gas reserves.