IPC Initiates Steam Injection at Blackrod Phase 1 Site in Alberta, Canada

International Petroleum Corporation (IPC) has commenced steam injection operations at its Blackrod Phase 1 project in Alberta, marking a key milestone in its heavy oil development strategy. The move is expected to enhance recovery rates and support long-term production targets.

International Petroleum Corporation (IPC) has officially begun steam injection at the Blackrod Phase 1 project located in the Athabasca oil sands region of Alberta, Canada. This operational step is a critical phase in the development of the site, which is designed to leverage steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) technology to extract bitumen from deep reservoirs. The project is expected to achieve a peak production capacity of approximately 25,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) by 2028, with initial steam injection targeting a 12-month ramp-up period. IPC has allocated CAD 280 million for the first phase of construction, including infrastructure for steam generation, pipeline networks, and on-site processing facilities. The commencement of steam injection signals the transition from construction to operational readiness. This phase aims to heat the bitumen in place, reducing its viscosity and enabling efficient extraction. IPC anticipates that the project will achieve commercial production in Q3 2027, contributing to the company’s overall goal of increasing its heavy oil output by 35% over the next five years. The development is expected to generate approximately 320 direct jobs during construction and 110 permanent positions upon full operations. Local suppliers and service providers in Alberta are projected to benefit from the project’s procurement and maintenance needs.