\u0022Small modular reactors — I think that is, in many ways, almost one of the holy grails of decarbonizing the upstream oil and gas industry.\u0022
As oilsands operators build a blueprint to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, they’re not only turning to carbon capture, utilization and storage technology to reach their climate goals.Speaking on the opening day of the Global Energy Show, Cenovus Energy CEO Alex Pourbaix said Tuesday the potential of small modular reactors is being examined by the Oilsands Pathways to Net Zero Alliance as one way to reduce emissions generated in bitumen production.
The return of the annual Global Energy Show after a two-year hiatus arrives as oil and gas prices have skyrocketed and the industry is posting hefty profits, but also facing daunting questions about future decarbonization plans. However, it’s also looking at longer-term developments to reach its objective. A technology working group within pathways is studying the possibility of bringing small modular reactors into the oilsands.
Pipelines carrying steam, gas and an emulsion of bitumen and water snake through the boreal forrest from well pads to the Cenovus Energy steam assisted gravity drainage oilsands facility near Conklin, Alta.“The SMRs, if they’re able to become commercialized and licensed, they would actually be much smaller . . . produce steam without any carbon emissions whatsoever.”
Setting up a regulatory process and choosing an appropriate SMR design that’s suitable for the oilsands will take time.