The New Alberta Advantage? Technology, Policy, and the Future of the Oil Sands (Part 1)

The global energy system is being transformed by new technologies that will revolutionize oil and gas markets — whether Alberta is ready for it or not. In his new book, energy journalist Markham Hislop examines how visionary oil sands executives like Suncor CEO Steve Williams are preparing their companies – which produce two-thirds of Alberta’s oil – for the onrushing low-carbon future. An integral part of the oil sands’ savvy business strategy is the energy and climate policies of Premier Rachel Notley’s government. In fact, the oil sands CEOs met privately with environmental groups for months before the 2015 election, hammering out a “carbon for no production cap” deal that the NDP government enshrined in the Climate Leadership Plan, legislation and regulations they strongly support to this day. If the oil sands companies are successful, Hislop describes a new strategy for building pipelines from Alberta to the West Coast. Doubling bitumen exports and building out Alberta’s petrochemical and partial upgrading sectors could usher in the next great Alberta energy boom. Speaker: Markham Hislop Markham Hislop is an energy journalist and publisher of Energi News (formerly North American Energy News). Hislop uses a technology adoption model of his own design to analyze and report upon all the facets of the energy industry, from oil and gas to EVs and renewables. Over the past 5 years, Hislop has probably reported about the Energy Transition more than any other North American journalist. His work has been published in Canadian Business, Alberta Oil Magazine, Hart Energy Publications, World Oil, Vancouver Magazine, and other publications. Hislop’s most recent book, The New Alberta Advantage: Technology, Policy, and the Future of the Oil Sands will be available for sale. Moderator: Cameron Howey Date: Thursday, April 4, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required