The LDP, approved to 10,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first phase, is anticipated to increase to its rated capacity of 18,800bpd within two years, pending final approval by Alberta Environment.
The future phases of the Kai Kos Dehseh steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) project are also under study.
The oil company entered Kai Kos Dehseh by acquiring North American Oil Sands Corp in 2007.
Statoil’s oil sands leases are located approximately 120km south of Fort McMurray in the Athabasca region of north east Alberta.
The company’s next phase, Corner, is a proposed 40,000bpd facility, which along with the eventual further expansion of Leismer to 40,000bpd, recently received approval by the Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB).
Statoil has committed to a five-year technology plan, which will provide the basis for the company’s aim for reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 40% by 2025.
Statoil Canada is the operator of Kai Kos Dehseh with a 60% ownership in the project, while PTT Exploration and Production of Thailand is a partner with a 40% ownership.
