Athabasca - In Situ Thermal

Within this section

• In situ thermal
  • Geology of the McMurray Formation
  • Reserves and methodology

The Athabasca oil sands area is the largest oil sands deposit in Alberta, with an area of about 42 000 km². The primary stratigraphic target is the McMurray Formation. 

There are currently 46 applications for steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) projects in the Athabasca oil sands area (Table R2.4 [HTML], Figure R2.5) of which 34 were evaluated as part of the McMurray Formation and 17 projects are currently active producing. In addition, there is one active project producing from the Wabiskaw Member (Table R2.4).

A full discussion of water use in the oil sands can be found in AER's Alberta Water Use Performance Report.

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