The Value of Technology for the Alberta Bitumen -Abstract

Abstract

A recently completed feasibility study for the Alberta Energy Research Institute and an industry consortium identified a slate of five novel technologies with breakthrough potential for upgrading Alberta bitumen and heavy oil. The study, carried out by Jacobs Canada Inc. for AERI and seven companies, screened 100 new technologies based on a variety of criteria from ranging from breakthrough potential to technical and environmental risk. A total of 19 configurations using new technologies were rigorously evaluated from an economic standpoint for processing 200,000 bpd of bitumen into transportation fuels and petrochemical feedstocks. Based, in part, on this study, the Alberta government committed $100 million towards a Hydrocarbon Upgrading Demonstration Program, to demonstrate breakthrough upgrading and clean carbon technologies. This paper will discuss the methodology and results of the feasibility study.