By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Nov. 15 -- Suncor Energy Inc. said the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) on Nov. 14 approved the company's application to build a third oil sands upgrader, Voyageur, and approved plans to develop the Steepbank mine expansion.
Voyageur is the centerpiece in Suncor's plans to boost oil sands production to 500,000 b/d by 2012. Suncor plans to begin preparation for both Voyageur and Steepbank next year.
Meanwhile, work continues on the company's Athabasca oil sands expansion north of Fort McMurray (OGJ, Sept. 25, 2006, p. 39). With commissioning targeted for 2008, that expansion is expected to increase production to 350,000 b/d from 260,000 b/d.
Construction was 65% complete as of Sept. 30. Other work under way includes expansion of Suncor's in situ operations, with completion expected in 2007.
In granting Voyageur and Steepbank project approvals, the EUB outlined several conditions for Suncor. Three conditions specifically deal with managing tailings: the mixture of water, clay, sand, and residual bitumen produced during the extraction process.
Separately, Suncor announced 2007 spending plans of $5.3 billion (Can.), of which $4.4 billion will be dedicated to oil sands.
