Name and Location
Kearl expansion project, Alberta, Canada.
Client
Exxon Mobil Corporation and Imperial Oil.
Project Description
The Kearl project is expected to reach 110 000 bbl/d, accessing an estimated 4.6-billion barrels of resources for more than 40 years. The expansion consists of three-dimensional trains that use proprietary paraffinic-froth treatment technology to produce bitumen.
The process reduces energy requirements and environmental impacts as it does not require an on-site upgrader. Energy needs have also been reduced through the installation of energy-saving cogeneration facilities.
The project produces blended bitumen, with about the same life-cycle greenhouse-gas emissions as the average crude oil refined in the US.
Other environmental innovations include on-site water storage to reduce water use, progressive land tailings reclamation and a state-of-the-art waterfowl deterrent system. The project is expected to double Kearl’s overall capacity to 220 000 bbl/d of bitumen. Future debottlenecking will increase output to reach the regulatory capacity of 345 000 bbl/d.
Value
$16-billion.
Duration
Production of mined diluted bitumen at Kearl began on April 27, 2013, and production at the Kearl oil sands expansion project in June this year.
Latest Developments
The installation of energy-saving cogeneration, expected in late 2015 or early 2016, will help reduce the energy drawn from the Alberta electricity grid and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
ExxonMobil media relations, tel + 1 972 444 1107.
Imperial Oil media relations, tel +1 587 476 7010.