Statoil Produces First Oil from Leismer Demonstration Project

Statoil has announced first oil production from its Leismer Demonstration Project (LDP) in Canada, ahead of schedule after initiating steam injection in September 2010.

The LDP is the first phase of the Leismer project, which is expected to reach its rated capacity of 18,800bpd within two years, subject to final approval by Alberta Environment.

Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) recently approved the firm’s next phase, Corner, a 40,000bpd facility.

ERCB has also given approval for the expansion of Leismer to 40,000bpd.

Statoil Canada president Lars Christian Bacher said the firm will continue research and technology innovations and tests at the LDP project and, if successful, will apply them to future phases of development to drive efficiency and reduce environmental impact, including CO2 reductions at Alberta operations.

Statoil’s oil sands leases are located 120km south of Fort McMurray in the Athabasca region of north-east Alberta.