Technology

The processing of crude oil, natural gas, and oil sands involves sophisticated technology to create the many products we use daily. Approximately 75 percent of the oil produced in Canada is refined into transportation fuels such as gasoline and diesel for cars and trucks, kerosene for jet aircraft, and fuel oil for ships. Oil is also used for domestic and industrial heating, as well as fuels for industrial purposes and generating electricity. In addition, a form of crude oil called bitumen needs to be processed further since it exists in a semi or completely solid form.

Natural gas is an energy source for electricity generation, steam heat production, co-generation, industrial uses such as processing forest products, heavy oil, manufacturing steel, fertilizers, and cement. It has domestic uses such as fuelling furnaces, climate control systems, appliances, and vehicles. It is not usually marketable right out from the ground but needs to be processed. Gas contains containments that must be removed such as shale, sand, water, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulphide.