Suncor Energy Inc. reported that first bitumen production from its Firebag Stage 3 steam-assisted gravity drainage project in northern Alberta started in early July.
Its further plan for Stage 3 includes starting steam injection into two additional well pads by the end of the third quarter and ramping up to the target 62,000 b/d capacity in the next 24 months.
In July, the company also started production at the Firebag facilities from infill wells that are designed to reduce steam-oil ratios from existing well pads in Stages 1 and 2.
Suncor also has plans to add three additional stages at Firebag.
Currently under construction are the infrastructure, central plant, and cogeneration facilities, and two well pads for Stage 4.
The company expects production from Stage 4 to begin late in the first-quarter 2013. Stage 4 also has a planned bitumen production capacity of 62,500 b/d.
