Christina Lake
Christina Lake is located about 120 kilometres south of Fort McMurray, in northeast Alberta. The project began in 2000, and is in an earlier stage of development than Foster Creek with 15 wells producing approximately 18,000 gross barrels per day. It is growing in phases with the next 40,000 barrel per day expansion, phase C, expected to be completed in 2011. Construction of phase D, another 40,000 barrel per day expansion, is expected to begin in 2010 with production to begin in 2013.
The oil at Christina Lake is located about 375 metres below the surface and requires enhanced oil recovery technology to access and produce it. The primary technology we use for this project is SAGD, which injects steam into the reservoir to soften the oil so it can be pumped to the surface. SAGD is energy efficient and requires minimal surface disturbance. The above-ground footprint of a well pad is less than 10 percent of the total resource area being accessed under ground. We monitor air emissions regularly and complete air quality testing every two to three months.
Christina Lake, along with Foster Creek, is one of the two enhanced oil projects in our 50/50 business venture with ConocoPhillips.
Did you know?
We've reduced the average surface footprint of the wells at Christina Lake and Foster Creek by one-third since 2003.
Related information
Watch our SAGD video (2:00 min)
learn more
The EIA was filed by EnCana FCCL Ltd., operator of FCCL Partnership, as part of the provincial regulatory process. EnCana FCCL Ltd., formerly part of the Encana group of companies, has been renamed Cenovus FCCL Ltd., is now a member of the Cenovus Energy group of companies, and will continue to operate the Christina Lake Thermal Project in its capacity as operator of FCCL Partnership.
