Cenovus Energy Inc., Calgary, reported the start of bitumen flow from Phase D of the Christina Lake in situ oil sands project it shares in a 50-50 venture with ConocoPhillips in Alberta.
The company began Phase D steam injection in the steam-assisted gravity drainage project in the second quarter (OGJ Online, July 25, 2012). Production, which began in July, is to reach 40,000 b/d in 6-9 months, taking total Christina Lake capacity to 98,000 b/d.
Cenovus expects production to start from Phase E, now about 55%, complete, in the first quarter of 2013. Ultimate Christina Lake production capacity is to be 300,000 b/d.
