Pathways Carbon Capture Decision Slated for Late 2027 as Oilsands Firms Seek Fiscal Deal

Canada's major oil sands producers are aiming for a final investment decision on the Pathways carbon capture and storage project in late 2027 or early 2028. The proposed pipeline and storage hub would capture 6 million tonnes of CO2 per year by the mid-2030s, with an additional 10 million tonnes by 2045. That is a sharp reduction from the 22 million tonne target the group floated earlier. The industry group says it expects to finalize fiscal terms with Alberta and the federal government by mid-November. Those agreements cover carbon pricing, financial support, and permitting, but the article notes many proposed policy changes have not been drafted into law. Cenovus has said the project could cost up to C$30 billion, and federal carbon taxes remain a competitiveness concern. Prime Minister Mark Carney has tied support for a new Pacific export pipeline to Pathways moving ahead. That link makes the project a test of whether Canada can grow oil production while cutting emissions per barrel.