Suncor Energy Inc. submitted a plan with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency to replace coke-fired boilers with two cogeneration units at its oil sands base plant to remain globally cost and carbon competitive.
The two units are expected to offer base-load reliability with the planned export of approximately 700 MW of electricity to the Alberta grid, or roughly 7% of province's current electricity demand, according to a Dec. 4 news release. The units are also expected to provide the facility with steam needed for its operations.
"Cogeneration provides an emissions and cost reduction opportunity for Suncor's operations and contributes low-carbon power for the province of Alberta," Suncor President and CEO Steve Williams said.
The company is still evaluating the project and expects to make a final sanction decision by the fourth quarter of 2018. If Suncor decides to proceed, the company aims to begin construction in 2019 and commence commissioning by 2022.
