Non-Aqueous Extraction (NAE) Field Demonstration Unit

Solution Developer

Suncor Energy

Project Description

Suncor, Syncrude and Imperial are advancing the development of an innovative oil sands recovery technology known as non-aqueous extraction (NAE) to extract bitumen in a mining operation.
NAE technology has the potential to replace conventional hot water extraction processes. If successfully implemented, it could reduce the environmental footprint and unlock additional bitumen barrels in both existing and new oil sands developments. Compared to traditional oil sands mining methods, NAE technology also has the potential to nearly eliminate water consumption, eliminate the production of fluid tailings, tailings ponds and associated emissions from ponds, reduce the land footprint and simplify mine complexity which reduces costs.
Successful technology development to date has enabled the companies to collaborate to advance NAE technology to a field demonstration unit to be constructed and operated within Alberta. This project will be a collaborative effort with various small-medium enterprises including Exergy Solutions who provides innovative technology development engineering services and has been supporting the development of non-aqueous extraction techniques. Together, the partners bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support the success of the project.
The field demonstration unit is a critical step on the path to full commercial deployment. It will advance the NAE technology and generate data for large-scale commercial deployment of a first-of-a-kind technology for bitumen extraction from oil sands. The successful commercialization of NAE will help demonstrate Alberta’s commitment to developing and deploying home-grown clean technology solutions.

Benefits/Outcomes

• Potentially transformative technology advancement for bitumen processing.

• Significant environmental benefits for industry via dramatic reductions in land and water impacts.

Project Resources