Research in low GHG recovery technology for bitumen in carbonates

PTAC technology roadmap and upcoming workshops.

The development of new technologies and practices that enable the more challenging heavy oil reservoirs to be commercially produced while minimizing environmental impacts including green house gas (GHG) emissions continues to be an important research topic in our industry.

For example, the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC) is leading a project that is evaluating alternative scenarios involving GHG recovery technologies for bitumen in carbonate deposits particularly in the Grosmont formation of Alberta Canada. The full technical roadmap can be found in the following PTAC publication:Expanding Heavy Oil and Bitumen Resources while Mitigating GHG Emissions and Increasing Sustainability - A Technology Roadmap.

On February 15, 2007, PTAC will host a workshop titled  Low GHG Recovery Technology Scenarios for Bitumen in Carbonate Formations in Alberta which will be an in-depth and interactive review of early findings of the project.

This is important research as we look to expand heavy oil production to meet growing demand while minimizing GHG and environmental impacts.

Jorge.