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Pilot Reporting

The following is a list of pilot requests received since 2024, which is updated monthly. We use pilot findings and learnings to continually evolve a modern and efficient regulatory system that keeps pace with innovation. For more information, see Pilots and Innovations.

If you have questions regarding the pilots listed in the table, contact inquiries@aer.ca.

Request Date Sort ascending Company nameSectorDecision DateDecision Status
Cenovus Energy Inc.Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair PilotsApproved

Company requested to use a product that uses natural soil microbes to produce limestone through a controlled metabolic process. When requested to well leakage pathways, it forms crystalline calcium carbonate, sealing and repairing surface casing vent flows and gas migration. (PR54-Cenovus)


NA


6 - 12 months
Cenovus Energy Inc.Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair PilotsApproved

Company requested to use a product that uses natural soil microbes to produce limestone through a controlled metabolic process. When requested to well leakage pathways, it forms crystalline calcium carbonate, sealing and repairing surface casing vent flows and gas migration. (PR53-Cenovus)


NA


6 - 12 months
Cenovus Energy Inc.Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair PilotsApproved

Company requested to use the re-formulated nano-modified polymer designed as an additive to cement blend to address surface casing vent flow or gas migration issues.


NA


6 - 12 months
Cenovus Energy Inc.Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair PilotsApproved

Company requested to use a non-shrinking resin that creates an impermeable seal for gas micro-leaks around cement plugs and packers. It stops gas flow during abandonment and is mixed with cement to seal micro-annuli and repair surface casing vent flow or gas migration.


NA


6 - 12 months
Ovintiv Canada ULCWell Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair PilotsApproved

Company requested to use a product that uses natural soil microbes to produce limestone through a controlled metabolic process. When requested to well leakage pathways, it forms crystalline calcium carbonate, sealing and repairing surface casing vent flows and gas migration.


NA


6 - 12 months
Canadian Natural Resources LimitedOil Sands Mining PilotsApproved

Company requested to conduct a field trial to assess the vegetation response for an NST substrate capped with various treatments that include NST, petroleum coke, and suitable overburden.


CNRL Horizon Tailings Pond


> 2 years
Fort Hills Energy CorporationOil Sands Mining PilotsApproved

Company requested for a 1 month trial to use a different process aid. The trial will evaluate the effectiveness and dosage response in relation to bitumen recovery.


Fort Hills Oil Sands Mine and Processing Plant


0 - 6 months
Cenovus Energy Inc.Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair PilotsApproved

Company requested to use a technology designed to melt casing, cement, and certain rock formations. After cooling, these materials solidify to create an impermeable, gas-tight, rock-to-rock barrier that extends across the well cross-section permanently. While forming a permanent zonal abandonment in wellbores, this technology also help with surface casing vent flow and gas migration issues.


NA


6 - 12 months
Cenovus Energy Inc.Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair PilotsApproved

Company requested to use a non-shrinking resin that creates an impermeable seal for gas micro-leaks around cement plugs and packers. It stops gas flow during abandonment and is mixed with cement to seal micro-annuli and repair surface casing vent flow or gas migration.


NA


6 - 12 months
Cenovus Energy Inc.Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair PilotsApproved

Company requested to use a non-shrinking resin that creates an impermeable seal for gas micro-leaks around cement plugs and packers. It stops gas flow during abandonment and is mixed with cement to seal micro-annuli and repair surface casing vent flow or gas migration.


NA


6 - 12 months