Fueled by its rapidly expanding economy and uncertainly in oil supply worldwide,China has shown significant interest in Alberta's oil sands in the past year.This interest has led to discussions on participation in mining and in situ projects by China's major oil companies,and to a Memorandum of Understanding with Enbridge on investment in its Gateway Pipeline project.Other Asian countries,in particular,Taiwan and Japan,are also looking to Alberta's oil sands to provide a long-term,secure supply of petroleum. Last year,the Alberta Energy Research Institute,in partnership with industry from Asia and Canada,investigated both short and long-term exports of Alberta crude and value-added products to Asia.Technology gaps were identified that needed to be addressed to match Alberta products to Asian refineries.A follow-up study is currently underway to address these gaps.This paper will provide an update on this project, and discuss the challenges faced in refining Alberta's bitumen and heavy crude.
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