Who regulates bitumen upgraders?
The ERCB also regulates facilities that upgrade the bitumen into synthetic crude oil (SCO). Bitumen contains high levels of carbon in relation to hydrogen. Therefore, it requires upgrading to remove the carbon, add hydrogen, or change the molecular structure. The main product of upgrading is SCO, which can be refined later into a range of consumer products. Currently, three facilities in the Fort McMurray area upgrade crude bitumen, while additional upgrading capacity is scheduled to come on line in the Fort McMurray area and around Fort Saskatchewan in the near and long term.
