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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Natural Upgrading Limited | Oil Sands Mining Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested to temporarily use an alternative polymer as a component of the Centrifuged Fluid Fine Tailings/Coarse Sand Tailings (CFFT/CST) Mixed Deposit treatment process. CNUL JPM Oil Sands Processing Plant 0 - 6 months PR21-CNRL | |||||
| Suncor Energy Inc. | Oil Sands Mining Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested to trial WaterPlus and DustBind for use as dust suppressants at Fort Hills mine. Fort Hills mine 1 - 2 years PR19-Suncor | |||||
| Torxen Energy Ltd. | Alternative Fugitive Emissions Alt-FEMP Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested for a pilot that uses aerial methane detection combined with an alternative work practice that meets the same performance standards of Directive 060 to manage unintentional releases of hydrocarbons. NA 2 years PR18-Torxen | |||||
| Islander Oil & Gas Inc. | In Situ Oil Sands Stand Alone Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested to modify cyclic steam and flue gas injection experimental scheme to substitute the Direct Contact Steam Generator (DCSG), with a modular, mobile, Once Through Steam Generator (OTSG). Peace River Oil Sands 1 - 2 years PR17-Islander | |||||
| Cenovus Energy Inc. | Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested to use a nano-modified polymer designed as an additive to cement blend to address surface casing vent flow or gas migration issues. Morgan 6 - 12 months PR16-Cenovus | |||||
| Petrus Resources Corp. | Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested to use a retractable mechanical device to permanently expand the casing’s inner diameter, inducing plastic deformation and elongation of the casing string. The expansion compresses surrounding cement, reducing annulus volume and sealing micro-annuli defects. This technology enhances cement densification and offers an alternative solution for surface casing vent flow and gas migration. Thorsby 6 - 12 months PR15-Petrus | |||||
| Enerplus Corporation | 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. Joarcam 6 - 12 months PR14-Enerplus | |||||
| Imperial Oil Resources Limited | Alternative Fugitive Emissions Alt-FEMP Pilots | Approved | |||
Company requested for a pilot that uses aerial methane detection combined with an alternative work practice that meets the same performance standards of Directive 060 to manage unintentional releases of hydrocarbons. NA 2 years PR13-Imperial | |||||
| Myra Falls Mine Ltd. | Well Integrity Surface Casing Vent Flow / Gas Migration Repair Pilots | Approved | |||
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. Kaleland 6 - 12 months PR12-Myra | |||||
| Suncor Energy Inc. | In Situ Oil Sands Pilots Within Existing Commercial Schemes | Approved | |||
Company requested for the addition of two 400 bbl temporary storage tanks for a disposal trial involving injection of process fluids into a disposal well. Athabasca Oil Sands 0 - 6 months PR10-Suncor | |||||
