I agree with ccanuck. I'm part owner of a very small startup, using expert system technology to analyse seismic data faster, more accurately and cheaper than traditional methods. Is there any positive interest from the "raditional world"? No. The "not invented here" syndrome kicks in, followed by "we don't understand it", followed by "please explain all your secrets". Hmmm...

So I've started our own exploration company to act as a real life model for the new technology.

If only people in the UK were as positive as in North America! Wishful thinking.

But the initial point of my note was in the last paragraph of ccanuck's comment -- "try-learn-implement" -- so close to the old military adage of "adopt, adapt, improve" it just shows there's nothing new under the sun.

Best wishes to all readers

Scott Pollard
CEO, Mahona Energy

I agree that convincing the right people in regards to the feasibility of a new technology is critical. Funding smaller innovative companies is just going to be part of the operators R & D programs. To actually convince them to implement these technologies is a whole different story. Technology qualification and HSE (Health Safety and Environment) requires a systematic approach that will help these operators relate to the issue that is under consideration. Ultimately, it comes down to securing the confidence of all stake holders. I have been lucky enough to see some operators come in and use one of the technology qualification practices developed by our offices here at DNV. And I can never agree more than Mahona that it is the actual convincing which is the hardest part.

Lets move towards identifying HSE issues and mitigate the risks involved with these issues.

Goodluck to all of us!

Hello Jayess,

Rick here again.

Thanks for your post. I think you underline three key challenges Canada’s oil sands developers have before them:

1. Canadians are concerned about environmental impacts of oil sands development.
2. Industry has not done a good job of having an open discussion with citizens re: progress we’ve made and our efforts on social, environmental and economic performance
3. Industry must continue to improve our performance, especially relating to the environment.

On the first point, your concern is clear and we’ve heard the same from others on this forum and in opinion polls.

We’re not assuming we’ve had a firm finger on the pulse of Canadian opinion, nor are we assuming the loudest voices in the discussion speak for all stakeholders. But we are asking questions and opening up the dialogue.

I don’t think it’s accurate or fair to say the benefits of industry have been “privatized.”

Development of the oil sands benefits Canadians in a number of ways. We all need energy – to heat our homes, fuel our vehicles, or use in the production of goods and services. Production from oil sands plays a vital role in meeting the energy needs of Canadians -- people like you and me who use trains, planes or automobiles, or consume goods and services that need to be moved.

On a more direct level, the livelihood of a quarter million Canadians is connected to the oil sands – studies estimate that between 2000 and 2020, our industry will drive 5.4 million person-years of employment. That projection was made in 2005 and in the midst of the current economic storm it may have changed, but the ongoing economic benefits of oil sands development are probably more important than ever. In addition to employment, the 2000 to 2020 benefits also include an estimated $123 billion in taxes and royalties paid to governments, the majority of which is at the federal level. That goes to supporting programs like education and health care that we all value.

So I think the economic benefits are fairly clear, but understand they can’t come at the expense of improved environmental performance. You’ve asked for our commitment to remove tailings ponds by 2015. For our part, Suncor expects to reclaim our first pond next year – the work is now about 80% complete. Two more ponds that use newer technology to speed reclamation are expected to follow by 2019 or sooner. While current technology has proven effective, we’re piloting new technologies to further speed up the process.

In terms of water, Suncor has reduced its absolute water use by 40% in the past five years. 90% of water used to generate steam at our in-situ operations is recycled. And with our current expansion plans, we have requested a 0% increase in our license to withdraw water from the Athabasca River. Other producers have made similar progress and even if all projects on the drawing board go ahead, water withdrawals from the Athabasca are expected to account for a little more than 2% of river flow. That will keep the Athabasca among the least drawn upon rivers in Canada for industrial use

On more global impacts, I’m on the record as supporting a cost on carbon as long as it’s applied equally to all emissions from production to consumption. Although the oil sands are, along with steel producers, among the leaders of major industries in reducing emissions intensity, absolute emissions have increased with industry expansion. That’s an area where we need to make long-term improvements.

Suncor has also made a commitment to advance alternative energy to diversify the supply mix. This has included development of wind power and biofuels. These are not silver bullet solutions to tough issues like climate change but they are a step on the path to creating our energy future. As commercial viability of new forms of energy improves, the pace of investment will accelerate.

Let me close by saying I’m very proud of Suncor, our employees, suppliers and contractors and the support of the people in the communities where we operate. It’s a made-in-Canada success story of innovation, ingenuity and determination. I agree that the traits that built this industry into a major player in Canada’s economy are the very same traits that are – and will continue to be – at the forefront of addressing our environmental challenges.

Thanks for being part of the dialogue.

Rick

Hello Dyarnell, this is Travis from CAPP. You may have noticed that we linked to the debate you provided in the above post on the front page of this site. I had the opportunity to take in the debate in person in Toronto and agree that there is much to be learned from a well-organized debate between two passionate and infromed individuals. The debate you provided is very much in the spirit of this website. Thanks for participating in the conversation.

Hi Jay,

Could I ask you to send your contact information to Suncor via the info@suncor.com mailbox. As you know this industry is all about harnessing technology to improve our operational and environmental performance. New ideas are always welcome.