More energy production using less water

As global energy demands continue to rise, jurisdictions around the world are looking for responsible, reliable and secure energy. At the same time, many companies and countries are also looking for ways to reduce water use and manage water more efficiently while also meeting this soaring demand.

Alberta’s oil and gas operators are leading the world in responsible water management, with operators already having reduced their overall water use by 25 per cent to date. Alberta companies now recycle about 80 per cent of the water used in their operations, reducing the need for freshwater, and using advanced filtration systems to treat wastewater.

To keep this momentum going, Alberta’s government is investing nearly $2.7 million from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program into three new projects that are developing technologies to help reduce water use while growing responsible energy production.

“Global energy demand is rising and jurisdictions around the world are looking to us for ways to grow production while maximizing water efficiency. This funding will help test and advance three new technologies designed to help companies reduce water use and increase energy production at the same time. It’s a win for the environment, the energy sector and the economy.”

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
Through Emissions Reduction Alberta, the province will invest $1.47 million into two new water filtration technologies led by Aqua Pure Technologies and Eximius Environmental Solutions. An additional $1.2 million will go to helping Canadian Natural Resources Limited test a new chemical developed by ChampionX that makes heavy oil and bitumen flow faster and more easily toward the production well, reducing the demand for steam.

“These projects have already shown great promise with support from our partners, and we’re excited to see how provincial funding through Emissions Reduction Alberta can help take them to the next level. What is especially exciting is their potential to be commercialized in the near future, offering the oil and gas industry practical solutions to lower emissions, save water, and reduce costs.”

Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
 
“The significant financial backing received from the Government of Alberta and Emissions Reduction Alberta will accelerate the progress and commercialization of Aqua Pure Technologies’ PROH2O® Technology. This funding is crucial for improving the company’s ability to deliver clean technology developed in Alberta to both domestic and global markets while highlighting Alberta's leadership in oil and gas water reuse and emissions reduction initiatives.”

Daniel Nelson, CEO, Aqua Pure Technologies
 
"Funding from the Government of Alberta through Emissions Reduction Alberta is essential to the commercialization of the VelRay X™ and its application in mobile filtration operations, bridging the gap between prototype validation and market readiness. This support enables critical testing, stakeholder engagement, and deployment, ensuring the technology’s scalability and positioning it to set new standards for sustainable water management in Alberta and beyond." 

Jeff Wollin, vice president of sales and operations, Eximius Environmental Solutions

Aqua Pure Technologies: ultra-filtration technology

Aqua Pure Technologies will test its innovative PROH2O® ultra-filtration technology to improve water recycling in the oil and gas industry. This technology can remove 99.9 per cent of contaminants from water.

Funding will also support a self-cleaning system to help make oil and gas operations more efficient, helping companies find ways to reduce costs and improve productivity. The project will be demonstrated in Three Hills.