Sign in Subscribe
Petroleum industry

Suncor Energy Pursues Innovative Technologies to Boost Efficiency and Reduce Emissions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Suncor Energy, Canada's largest oil and gas producer, is exploring novel methods to enhance its environmental and energy efficiency. The company has partnered with Harris Corporation to test a technology called Enhanced Solvent Extraction Incorporating Electromagnetic Heating (ESEIEH), which uses radio frequency energy to heat bitumen, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage. This technology, initially tested in 2012 at Suncor's Steepbank mine facility, is set to be tested at the Dover oil sands project in northern Alberta for approximately two years. Additionally, Suncor is developing a replication strategy for steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) extraction projects, aiming to bring resources to market at a lower cost.

Key Takeaways:

  • Suncor Energy is partnering with Harris Corporation to develop the Enhanced Solvent Extraction Incorporating Electromagnetic Heating (ESEIEH) technology, which uses radio frequency energy to heat bitumen.
  • ESEIEH aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, with initial testing conducted in 2012 at Suncor's Steepbank mine facility.
  • The technology is set to be tested at the Dover oil sands project in northern Alberta for approximately two years.
  • Suncor is also exploring a replication strategy for steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) extraction projects, with nine possible locations identified.
  • The replication strategy involves using exactly the same designed plants to bring resources to market at a lower cost.
  • Other innovative technologies being developed in the oil industry include solar reclamation and organic solvent extraction.
  • Solar reclamation aims to replace ultraviolet lamps in advanced wastewater filtration systems with solar technology, reducing costs.
  • Organic solvent extraction seeks to eliminate the use of massive water quantities to heat bitumen at oil sands and cut emissions.

Statistics:

  • Suncor Energy serves as the lead partner for the ESEIEH project, which was initially tested in 2012.
  • The ESEIEH project involves partnerships with Devon, Nexen Energy ULC, and Harris Corporation, with funding from the Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC).
  • The ESEIEH project is set to run for approximately 24 months.
  • Suncor has identified nine possible locations for its replication strategy for SAGD extraction projects.
  • 2015 Global Data Point and SyndiGate Media Inc. served as the sources for this information.

Sources:

  • Suncor Energy statement
  • Harris Corporation
  • Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC)
  • Global Data Point (2015)
  • SyndiGate Media Inc.

Read more