Cenovus Energy Inc. is a Canadian integrated energy company. The company is investigating methods to deliver net-zero emissions heat and electricity by use of small modular nuclear reactors (SMR) in the Canadian oil sands. SMRs provide a potential solution to replace gas-fired boilers on a large scale to reduce overall GHG emissions from field operations. SMRs could potentially be a transformative energy source on a multi-industry scale by reliably delivering near zero-emissions high-grade industrial heat.
These studies are intended to examine the potential of using SMRs to produce net-zero GHG emission heat and electricity at steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) facilities. This includes regulatory, commercial, procurement, fleet deployment and process studies on a preliminary engineering and design basis with scenario and technology identification in later stages.
Commercial nuclear energy deployment within Alberta and integration into a SAGD facility has never been done before. This study will help Cenovus gain an understanding of front-end risks, identify and conduct next steps towards potential commercialization, and develop the resources required to accomplish this.