RE:RE:RE:RE:46% Fort Hills stake may end up costing Suncor near nothing * solvents and electromagnetic radiation (EM) are new technologies that favor SAGD over mining in the near future
- today, Fort Hills has a lower GHG carbon dioxide (CO2) intensity per bitumen barrel than Surmont but that is expected to change in the next couple of years as solvents (propane) and possibly EM technologies are applied to Surmont
just a quick comment, SU had piloted propane injection at Firebag SAGD since 2013, and currently is STILL doing more piloting. It's not easy and simple as just injecting propane and out come bitumen.
Suncor to complete NSolv pilot, evaluate for next step in commercialization - JWN Energy
from Suncor website
We expect to launch a pilot project to evaluate solvent-dominated technology by early 2023.
You see, propane ain't cheap now. Same goes for electrictiy to power EM, my home power rate had doubled since covid years. Good things NG is still cheap (at field level), so making steam is still economically more attractive.
AECO-C Price | Alberta Energy Regulator (aer.ca)
there are advantages and disadvantages for both oilsand mining and SAGD. That's why the big boys (CNQ, SU, IMO) play in both sand boxes.