Challenge:

To meet its sustainability objectives, Suncor is seeking not only to develop new technologies, but to enhance their own development capability.

Solution:

Establish a joint technology development program, focused on various aspects of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) facility reliability and efficiency.

When Suncor first contacted GE about technology development in May of 2010, there was a desire to collaborate with a large industrial company to bring improved, fit-for-purpose technology to the SAGD market. But Suncor's leadership knew that they needed new solutions to support their development objectives while addressing new regulations: Alberta is driving increased water recycling and air emission requirements for oil sands operators.

The initial meeting gave both companies a chance to evaluate opportunities for Suncor and GE to collaborate on technologies that could improve the efficiency of Suncor's SAGD operations. In addition, Suncor was interested in learning more about GE’s technology development process as they continue to develop their own internal capabilities.