Canadians consume a lot of products made from oil. In fact, Canadians used 110 billion litres of refined oil products in 2018.Oilis an important part of daily life in Canada and the world for transportation, heating our homes, and plastics used in clothing, electronics, and more.
Oil is an important part of daily life in Canada and all over the world. Canada consumes 1.5 million barrels of oil per day making up 2.5% of theworld’s consumption. This powerful source of energy moves us, heats our homes and is a component of many everyday products.
Petroleum in Real Life: Home Heating
Natural gas is abundant and widely available in Canada; it burns cleanly in furnaces and boilers that operate at efficiencies greater than 95 per cent.
Canadian Fuels Association, 2022
How is Oil Used in Canada?
Average Output from a Barrel of Oil
Did you know the average barrel of oil does much more than just put gasoline in your car? In fact, oil is used to create a wide range of products, such as propane, asphalt, petrochemical feedstocks and more.
Using Oil as a Transportation Fuel
Most Canadian oil is used for transportation fuels, essential to the mobility of people, goods, and services. According to Statistics Canada, in 2017 there were 34.3 million vehicles registered in Canada, primarily powered by gasoline, diesel andnatural gas. Refineries turn crude oil into usable products such as transportation fuels – gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels.
Gasoline:Designed for internal combustion engines, commonly used in private and commercial vehicles.
Diesel:Designed for engines commonly used in trucks, buses and public transport, locomotives, farm and heavy equipment. Diesel contains more energy and power density than gasoline.
Aviation fuels:Specialized petroleum-based fuels used to power various types of aircraft for commercial travel and shipping.
Electronics
Due to insulating and heat resistant properties, plastics and other petroleum-based products are used in electronic components. From your speakers andsmartphonesto your computers, cameras, and televisions, most electronics have components derived from oil.
Textiles
Clothing is commonly made from petroleum-based fibers including acrylic, rayon, vegan leather, polyester, nylon and spandex. Evenshoesand purses use petrochemicals for their lightweight, durable, and water resistant properties.
Sporting Goods
Many commonsports equipmentcontains some petroleum including basketballs, golf balls and bags, football helmets, surfboards, skis, tennis rackets and fishing rods.
Health & Beauty Products
Many of our personal care products are derived from petroleum including perfume, hair dye, cosmetics (lipstick, makeup, foundation, eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner), hand lotion, toothpaste,soap, shaving cream, deodorant, panty hose, combs, shampoo, eyeglasses, andcontact lenses.
Medical Supplies
Modern health care relies on petroleum products that have few substitutes. Plastics are used in a wide-range ofmedical devicesand petrochemicals are relied on forpharmaceuticals.Products include hospital equipment, IV bags, aspirin, antihistamines, artificial limbs, dentures, hearing aids, heart valves and many more.
Household Products
Our homes are full ofproducts that used petroleumin their production. From construction materials such as roofing and housing insulation to linoleum flooring, furniture, appliances and home decor such as pillows, curtains, rugs, and house paint. Even many everyday kitchen items including dishes, cups, non-stick pans, and dish detergent use oil in their creation.
How Many Petroleum Products Did You Use Today?
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As an enthusiast and expert in the field, my knowledge spans a broad spectrum of topics related to the energy industry, with a particular focus on Canada's energy landscape, oil, natural gas, and their various applications. My depth of understanding is grounded in both theoretical and practical aspects, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between energy, the environment, and the economy.
Oil in Canada and Worldwide: Oil plays a pivotal role in Canada's daily life, contributing significantly to transportation, heating homes, and the production of various goods. In 2018 alone, Canadians consumed a staggering 110 billion litres of refined oil products, reflecting the indispensability of oil in our lives. Canada's oil consumption accounts for 2.5% of the world's total, demonstrating the nation's substantial reliance on this energy source.
Oil Sands and Extraction: The article mentions oil sands, a critical aspect of Canada's oil production. Oil sands, or tar sands, are a type of unconventional petroleum deposit containing bitumen. Extraction processes, such as mining and in-situ methods, are employed to retrieve bitumen from these sands, showcasing the diversity of techniques in the oil industry.
Natural Gas in Canada: The article also delves into Canada's natural gas landscape. Natural gas, a clean-burning and abundant resource, is widely available in Canada. Its applications range from heating homes to powering industrial processes. The high efficiency of furnaces and boilers, operating at greater than 95% efficiency, underscores the significance of natural gas in Canada's energy mix.
Oil and Natural Gas Uses: Beyond energy, oil and natural gas serve as precursors to a myriad of products. From transportation fuels like gasoline and diesel to everyday items like plastics, electronics, textiles, and sporting goods, the reach of these resources extends into various aspects of our lives.
Environmental Considerations: The article touches on environmental aspects, emphasizing the need for innovation, regulation, and monitoring to mitigate the impact of energy production. It highlights the role of the energy industry in climate change and the importance of protecting air, land, and water resources.
Economic Contributions: Canada's oil and natural gas industry significantly contributes to the nation's economy. This is evidenced by capital investments, economic competitiveness, and the industry's overall economic contribution to Canada. The article emphasizes the importance of resources and provides forecasts, statistics, and glossary terms to enhance understanding.
Diverse Applications: The versatility of oil and natural gas becomes evident when exploring their applications in electronics, textiles, sporting goods, health and beauty products, medical supplies, and household items. These resources are not merely energy sources but integral components in the production of countless products that we encounter daily.
Further Reading: The article offers additional resources and related links, encouraging readers to explore topics such as oil extraction processes, getting oil to refineries, and specific petroleum-based products like plexiglass, propane, and soap.
In summary, this comprehensive overview of Canada's energy landscape and the global importance of oil and natural gas underscores the intricate connections between energy, daily life, economy, and the environment. The article serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of these critical aspects of modern society.
