December 11, 2009
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
A new bio-technology that is being developed to access hard to reach oil reserves has received $953,944 from the Canada - Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), to carry out tests on the efficacy and usability of the technology in the oil wells.
The Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR), under development by various research institutions led by Genome Prairie, will pump nutrients into oil reservoirs to stimulate growth of microorganizms that react to release trapped oil that is then pumped out to market.
"Saskatchewan has been chipping away at its huge hard to extract oil reservoirs through various EOR technologies such as the CO2 injection technology," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "Now we have a new tool, through MEOR, to get at this resource and assist our oil industry, build our knowledge economy and maintain our reputation as a leading innovation, research and development destination."
"Our government is pleased to join the Government of Saskatchewan in announcing this important investment for our province," said MP Kelly Block. "This project will help our energy sector extract hard to reach oil reserves, while allowing for more efficient extraction that uses less water."
The result of the research and testing is expected to prove that there is an increase in oil production in marginal or non producing wells. The success of this project will also lead to lower costs and reduced water usage in traditional oil extraction methods.
"Genome Prairie is pleased to work with our regional, national and international partners to oversee the deductive phase of the MEOR project, to determine which microbes will be the most effective in getting oil out of the ground more quickly," Genome Prairie President and CEO Dr. Wilf Keller said. "Genomics research holds the key."
The potential for technology commercialization is huge as it will attract interest from oil companies that have dormant wells that can be reactivated and oil pumped out. The technology will also attract greater interest from other universities, research organizations and governments on a national and international level.
Other partners in this research are: National Research Council; University of Saskatchewan; Dycor Technologies Ltd., and Mid West Research Institute.
For more information, contact:
Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5582
Email: tim.tororey@enterprisesask.ca
Carol Reynolds
Genome Prairie
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-668-3574
Email: creynolds@genomeprairie.ca
Cell: 306-241-9033
Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
