Innovation
Driving efficiency. Accelerating progress.
From unlocking the value of the Montney with the first horizontal well to lowering emissions with electrification, ARC has a long history of innovation. The application of technology in our operations improves environmental performance and enhances operational efficiency. Today, we continue to innovate across our business, evaluate and apply clean technologies, and invest in partnerships that drive progress.
Innovation in action
Electrification
Electrification has played an important role in reducing GHG emissions. Connecting our facilities to the BC provincial electrical grid provides access to renewable hydroelectricity, which has resulted in leading emissions performance of our northeast BC assets.
Since 2011, we have electrified five of six of our major facilities at Greater Dawson and Sunrise, which were previously powered by natural gas-fired turbines. In 2023, we completed electrification of our Dawson III and IV facilities.
All of our major natural gas plants in northeast British Columbia are now powered by renewable hydroelectricity from the provincial power grid. These projects were made possible in part by funding through the Government of BC’s CleanBC Industry Fund.
We will continue to evaluate other opportunities to further electrify our field. These could include small-scale projects like the conversion of natural gas-fired compressors, or full facility conversions or new builds.
From 2017 to 2023, ARC reduced its direct emissions in northeast BC by 22% despite growing production by 57%. The electrification of our northeast BC asset base reduces our GHG emissions by 420,000 tCO2e per year.
Artificial intelligence and continuous emissions monitoring
State-of-the-art sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) enhance how we monitor and reduce fugitive methane emissions. Sensors at select ARC sites provide data on methane emissions in real-time. The AI analysis locates and quantifies leaks by emission source and severity so we can respond immediately. This technology was applied at ARC sites in partnership with Qube Technologies, with support from the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN).
Ultrafiltration and water recycling
In partnership with Swirltex Inc. and CRIN, we are piloting a new technology that will enhance produced water recycling capabilities. Conventionally, produced water is trucked offsite for treatment or disposal into depleted reservoirs. Using new technology, we will be able to treat water on location using an ultrafiltration process. We can reuse the recycled water to reduce freshwater consumption.
Through a single Swirltex unit, we anticipate approximately 300,000 m3 of produced water can be treated onsite annually, removing approximately 10,000 trucks off the road each year.
QR codes and online apps
QR codes and online apps help keep our people safe onsite with the latest health and safety protocols and procedures at their fingertips.
Waste heat recovery and instrument air conversions
Waste heat recovery and instrument air conversions have reduced GHG emissions across our field.
Data analytics
Data analytics has shifted how we work. Real-time data is enabling better and quicker decision-making, and informing our strategy.
Innovative partnerships
NGIF Cleantech Ventures is a $55 million industry-led venture capital fund that makes equity investments in early-stage startups. The objective of the fund is to grow cutting-edge clean technology companies into commercial-scale enterprises. ARC is a proud supporter of NGIF Cleantech Ventures.
Our investment into the fund, will help develop solutions that lead to emissions reductions and other environmental benefits in existing natural gas production, transmission, distribution, storage, and end-use applications. It also supports the expanded production of renewable natural gas and hydrogen.
CRIN is a diverse pan-Canadian network that addresses energy challenges to improve both environmental performance and competitiveness. The network includes energy producers, innovators, technology vendors, academia, research institutes, financiers and government.
Our investments into partnerships with CRIN will fund solutions that lead to emissions reductions and other environmental benefits in existing natural gas production, transmission, distribution, storage, and end-use applications. It also supports the expanded production of renewable natural gas and hydrogen.
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