Production data 2006-2010

Production volumes are net to Cenovus on a before royalties basis.

Production (Mbbls/d)

Foster Creek Production data

2006 production volumes adjusted on a pro forma basis to reflect the 50 percent contribution to Foster Creek to the business venture with ConocoPhillips in 2007.

Foster Creek

Foster Creek

The Foster Creek project began in 1996 and in 2002 became the industry's first commercial SAGD project. It has grown in five phases with an expected production capacity of 120,000 gross barrels per day.

SAGD is energy efficient and requires minimal surface disturbance. In fact, we've reduced the average surface footprint of the well pads at both Foster Creek and Christina Lake by one-third since 2003. And the above-ground footprint of a well pad is less than 10 percent of the total resource area being accessed underground. We also monitor air emissions regularly and complete air quality testing every two to three months. Nearly all of the water used in our operations at Foster Creek isn't fit for people, animals or agricultural purposes. And over 90 percent of it is recycled again and again.

Foster Creek, along with Christina Lake and Narrows Lake, is one of the oil sands projects in our 50/50 business venture with ConocoPhillips.

Foster Creek marks milestone as largest SAGD project to reach payout

In the first quarter of 2010 Foster Creek achieved a significant milestone in becoming the largest commercial SAGD project in Alberta to reach royalty payout status. For a project to reach payout its cumulative revenues exceed cumulative allowable costs. It's a sign of success.

Our expansion plans

In September 2010 we received regulatory approval for the next three phases of expansion, which we call phases F, G and H. When all three phases are completed, the expansion is expected to increase Foster Creek's gross production capacity from the current 120,000 to 245,000 barrels per day. Earthworks are almost complete for the next three expansion phases, with first production from phase F anticipated in 2014 and from phases G and H in 2015-2016.