Clean Energy and Hydrogen for Oil Sands Development with CANDU SCWR Nuclear Reactors and Cu-Cl Cycles

Abstract

In this paper, the unique capabilities and advantages of SCWR technology for cleaner oil sands development are discussed from two perspectives: lower temperature steam generation by supercritical water for steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), and hydrogen production for oil sands upgrading by coupling SCWR with the thermochemical copper-chlorine (Cu-Cl) cycle. The heat requirements for bitumen extraction from the oil sands and the hydrogen requirements for bitumen upgrading are evaluated. A conceptual layout of SCWR coupled with oil sands development is presented. The reduction of CO₂ emissions due to the use of SCWR and thermo chemical hydrogen production cycle is also analyzed.