Feasibility Study Of Chemical Looping Steam Generator Technology In The Athabasca Oil Sands

Abstract

In the Athabasca oil sands there is constant and rising pressure surrounding the environmental conditions under which this resource is developed. Addressing social and environmental accountability, while keeping the economic bottom line intact, is a challenge that industry is addressing. New technology may offer industry this opportunity to address these challenges. This paper examines the feasibility of a new technology, chemical looping steam generator, in relation to the triple bottom line. It weights the environmental advantages of adopting this technology against the economic feasibility and consider various scenarios that allow for industry to make informed decisions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of implementing this new technology. This paper also investigates the point at which the environmental cost of not adopting this technology outweighs the economic benefit. This is done through the economic analysis of two possible carbon fee scenarios within the energy industry. From these analysis the economic and environmental feasibility of the CLSG is determined.