A pilot project on testing that uses radio frequencies instead of steam is being undertaken by Suncor Energy. The hope is that these radio frequencies will liquify bitumen deposits situated under the ground, similar to melting something in the microwave. Suncor Energy is one of several companies that have partnered together to test out this method. The testing method is being used at the Suncor Dover site. The new testing method is called ESEIEH, and these initials stand for Enhanced Solvent Extraction Incorporating Electromagnetic Heating. The process involves using the radio waves to heat up the bitumen deposits until they are liquified, and then mixing in a chemical solvent so that the mixture can be siphoned to the surface if the earth. Suncor Energy believes that this method could be less expensive and a cleaner option than traditional mining method that are currently used.

Suncor Energy spokesperson Ein Rees provided an interview through email discussing the new project and testing method that uses radio frequencies. According to Rees “If proven successful, ESEIEH is expected to result in a reduction of up to 75% in energy requirements. ESEIEH doesn’t use any steam in the in situ recovery process, so it eliminates the cost requirements for water sourcing and handling. It is important to note that establishing a baseline for the comparative costs versus traditional methods is a primary objective of this phase of the pilot. It’s still early days in testing the technology.” Steam recovery methods can mean using energy to create steam, and this method produces greenhouse gases. The new radio frequency method could revolutionize the energy industry is the project is successful.