GE and Suncor collaborate on greenhouse gas reduction technology

Submitted by Paddy Harris on Wed, 2014-07-09 10:16

09th July 2014

GE and Suncor Energy have announced the signing of two agreements which provide the opportunity for an investment of up to approximately USD 18m to enable the development of new technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage in oil sands production

GE and Suncor collaborating on greenhouse gas emissions reduction technology

These projects are expected to develop technologies leading to further environmental performance improvements

The agreements focus on Canada’s bourgeoning tight gas industry, but the same technology could be applied globally as the development of unconventional resources enters new frontiers.

One agreement relates to a promising oil sands water treatment pilot project expected to reduce water use, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while simultaneously reducing capital and operating costs for in situ oil sands operators.

An existing partnership between GE, Suncor and Alberta Innovates - Energy and Environment Solutions (AI-EES) has been extended into a Joint Industry Project within the collaboration framework of COSIA (Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance).

With new support from Devon Canada Corporation and ConocoPhillips Canada Resources Corp., the group remains committed to further testing produced water treatment technologies in the steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) method of extraction.

In addition to this pilot project, six COSIA member companies have also signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue other joint industry projects with a potential investment of up to approximately USD 13m.

These projects are expected to develop technologies leading to even further environmental performance improvements, primarily in the areas of greenhouse gas reductions and advances in water treatment technology.

"Today's announcements are a step toward a new generation of environmental technologies," said Elyse Allan, president and CEO GE Canada. "With the ongoing input of Alberta Innovates - Energy and Environment Solutions (AI-EES), we look forward to collaborating with COSIA member companies to fast-track technology development in Canada's oil industry, which is an important driver of the country's economy."