Pathways CCS Project Cost Overruns and Emissions Gaps Raise Doubts About Oil Sands Climate Plan

A new analysis from Environmental Defence argues that the Pathways carbon capture project in Alberta's oil sands is an expensive and ineffective climate solution. Originally estimated at $16.5 billion, the project's cost has risen to at least $20 billion, while promised emissions reductions have dropped from 10-12 megatonnes by 2030 to just 6 megatonnes by 2035. The article claims the project allows oil companies to expand production while taxpayers shoulder the risk. The piece highlights that oil sands emissions were 91 megatonnes in 2024, meaning the project would capture only a small fraction. It also notes opposition from rural landowners and Indigenous communities regarding the proposed CO2 pipeline network. The author argues that the oil sands alliance, which is projected to earn nearly $100 billion in profits this year, should fund the project itself rather than relying on public money.