Bitumen beyond combustion (BBC) may not appear the sexiest of topics, but as I researched and interviewed and wrote this multi-part series I came to realize Alberta Innovates’ program to develop a successful BBC industry may be the most important economic initiative in Alberta’s history.

Like its western Canadian heavy oil producing brethren, MEG Energy Corp. expects that additional Canadian pipeline capacity from the imminent start up of the Trans Mountain expansion “will narrow heavy oil differentials, reduce differential volatility and improve netbacks on all of MEG's production,” says CEO Darlene Gates.

Exxon Mobil Corporation believes oil and gas demand for energy will remain strong for the long term, but the company is rapidly advancing new technologies that turn hydrocarbon molecules into high value new materials in the event the energy transition picks up pace, chief executive officer Darren Woods told analysts on its first quarter 2024 conference call.