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 name | Sector | Decision Date | Decision Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEG Energy Corp. | In Situ EPEA67(3) Surface Equipment Exemptions | Approved | |||
Company requested to conduct a pilot to generate power from waste heat in its Phase 2B glycol system. Christina Lake 0 - 6 months PR55-MEG | |||||
| Cenovus Energy Inc. | Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested to use a product that uses natural soil microbes to produce limestone through a controlled metabolic process. When applied to well leakage pathways, it forms crystalline calcium carbonate, sealing and repairing surface casing vent flows and gas migration. Wildmere 6 - 12 months PR54-Cenovus | |||||
| Cenovus Energy Inc. | Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested to use a product that uses natural soil microbes to produce limestone through a controlled metabolic process. When applied to well leakage pathways, it forms crystalline calcium carbonate, sealing and repairing surface casing vent flows and gas migration. Vermilion 6 - 12 months PR53-Cenovus | |||||
| Cenovus Energy Inc. | Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair Pilots | Approved | |||
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. Morgan 6 - 12 months PR52-Cenovus | |||||
| Headwater Exploration Inc. | Oil and Gas Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested to pilot an enhanced recovery scheme via thermal conduction in a multi-lateral well (temporary thermal well stimulation) which circulates steam in one leg of a horizontal multi-lateral well for a 1-4 month period. No steam injection into the reservoir itself. Heat transfer from the wellbore to the reservoir is expected to mobilize oil that will be produced by the offsetting legs. Marten Hills 0 - 6 months PR56-Headwater | |||||
| Cenovus Energy Inc. | Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair Pilots | Approved | |||
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. Wildmere 6 - 12 months PR51-Cenovus | |||||
| Canadian Natural Resources Limited | Oil Sands Mining Pilots | Approved | |||
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 PR49-CNRL | |||||
| Ovintiv Canada ULC | Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested to use a product that uses natural soil microbes to produce limestone through a controlled metabolic process. When applied to well leakage pathways, it forms crystalline calcium carbonate, sealing and repairing surface casing vent flows and gas migration. Sinclair 6 - 12 months PR48-Ovintiv | |||||
| Fort Hills Energy Corporation | Oil Sands Mining Pilots | Approved | |||
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 PR50-FortHills | |||||
| Cenovus Energy Inc. | Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair Pilots | Approved | |||
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. Amber Valley 6 - 12 months PR45-Cenovus | |||||
