The consortium of Laricina Energy, Nexen Inc., Suncor Energy and Harris Corporation has completed initial proof-of-concept testing of a unique oil sands extraction method that has the potential to improve environmental performance and reduce development costs, according to Nexen.
The $33 million program’s initial phase testing of the Enhanced Solvent Extraction Incorporating Electromagnetic Heating project will take place at Suncor’s Steepbank mine facility north of Fort McMurray.
The test, which is supported by the Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation and approved by the Energy Resources Conservation Board, “confirms the ability to successfully generate, propagate and distribute electromagnetic heat in an oil sands formation.” It also validates the analytical tools and methods used to predict the performance of the process. More work needs to be done before the commercial viability of the process can be determined.
