MEG Energy Corp. has secured all regulatory authorizations needed to proceed with multistage Phase 3 of its Christina Lake in situ oil sands project in the southern Athabasca region of Alberta.

Approvals by Alberta Energy and Alberta Water came after the go-ahead MEG received Jan. 31 from the Energy Resources Conservation Board (OGJ Online, Feb. 2, 2012).

Engineering has begun on Phase 3, which will add 150,000 b/d of design production capacity and push MEG’s total Christina Lake capacity to 210,000 b/d.

Phase 3, like earlier phases, will use steam-assisted gravity drainage.

Phase 3A awaits final sanctioning by MEG directors.