Electrification through RF XL could Result in Zero-GHG Emissions for Oil Sands and Heavy Oil Producers

The effects and costs of climate change and other environmental factors are hastening a global energy transition in which the drive for the cleanest possible fuels is gaining momentum. It is becoming clear that environmental responsibility, sound economics and breakthrough technologies must be applied to the production of heavy oil and oil sands for both combustion and non-combustion uses. A zero-carbon means of producing heavy oil and the oil sands could play a vital role in helping to advance Alberta’s position as an environmental, social and governance (ESG) leader in clean energy transition. To that end, this white paper provides a techno-economic analysis of the potential impact of deploying of a local solar energy array to support a 5,000 bbl per day pad-based RF XL heavy oil project in three different geographies. The goal is to demonstrate scenarios where transformative technologies and ideas could quickly and efficiently modernize the heavy oil and oil sands industry.

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1. Executive Summary

2. RF XL Technology Overview

3. Heating Effectiveness using Intermittent Power

4. Solar Power Array Design and Cost Models

5. Pad-Based Surface Facility Design and Economics

6. Solar Pad-Based RF XL Operating Plan

7. Environmental and Economic Results

8. The Path to Zero-GHG Emissions Deployment

9. Appendix 1 - Reservoir Properties and Operating Conditions

10. Appendix 2 - Financial and Operating Assumptions

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