Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz announced, in Calgary on Monday, December 16, 2024, funding for three new technologies that are helping oil and gas companies operate more efficiently. (Government of Alberta/Chris Schwarz)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

one project in three hills

Three projects will show energy production achievable with less water

Dec 16, 2024 | 4:20 PM

Alberta will test new technologies in an effort to use less water during energy production by oil and gas companies.

The provincial government announced Monday it’s investing $2.7 million from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program for three new projects.

One of said projects is in Three Hills, southeast of Red Deer.

“Global energy demand is rising and jurisdictions around the world are looking to us for ways to grow production while maximizing water efficiency,” says Rebecca Schulz, environment and protected areas minister.

“This funding will help test and advance three new technologies designed to help companies reduce water use and increase energy production at the same time. It’s a win for the environment, the energy sector and the economy.”

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The project at Three Hills will be operated by Aqua Pure Technologies, utilizing innovative ultra-filtration technology known as PROH2O®. The tech can remove 99.9 per cent of contaminants from water, the company claims.

“The significant financial backing received from the Government of Alberta and Emissions Reduction Alberta will accelerate the progress and commercialization of Aqua Pure Technologies’ PROH2O® Technology,” says Daniel Nelson, CEO, Aqua Pure.

“This funding is crucial for improving the company’s ability to deliver clean technology developed in Alberta to both domestic and global markets while highlighting Alberta’s leadership in oil and gas water reuse and emissions reduction initiatives.”

Funding will support a self-cleaning system, will reduce costs, and improve productivity.

The other two projects are as follows:

Eximius Environmental Solutions: filtration system

Eximius Environmental Solutions will advance its VelRay X™ system, which filters tiny particles from water used in oil extraction, making it cleaner for reuse and reducing the need for freshwater. Cleaner water prevents blockages, protects equipment, extends its life, lowers pollution risks, and cuts wastewater disposal costs.

The system uses durable stainless-steel filters instead of emissions-intensive bag filters, reducing waste and landfill emissions. Test sites will be announced soon.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited: chemical additive for heavy oil and bitumen

Canadian Natural Resources Limited is using $1.2 million in provincial funding to test a chemical additive that improves the flow of heavy oil and bitumen in its steam-assisted gravity drainage operations. The additive helps oil flow faster, prevents blockages, and reduces the need for steam, thereby lowering water use. Testing will occur at the Kirby North plant in Lac La Biche.

The Government of Alberta says oil and gas operators have already reduced water use by 25 per cent, and now recycle about 80 per cent of water used — accomplished by using advanced filtration systems to treat wastewater, and thereby reducing the need for freshwater.