By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Dec. 11 -- The Surmont oil sands project in Alberta started commercial production Dec. 11, said Total E&P Canada Ltd., which owns 50% interest in the ConocoPhillips-operated project (OGJ, May 21, 2007, Newsletter).
Surmont is 60 km southeast of Fort McMurray. Phase 1 has a capacity of 25,000 b/d, and it is expected to reach plateau production by 2012. Phase 2, scheduled for commercial production before 2015, is expected to reach plateau production of 75,000 b/d.
A Surmont pilot project began in 1997. In 2003, the partnership decided to launch the first phase of commercial development at Surmont using steam-assisted gravity drainage. First steam was injected into the ground in June.
Total also holds other oil sands leases.
