Suncor Energy Inc. reports that oil sands production during August averaged approximately 331,000 barrels per day (bpd). Year-to-date oil sands production at the end of August averaged approximately 270,000 bpd.

The company also reports planned maintenance has begun on one of its two oil sands upgraders (U2) at its oil sands operations near Fort McMurray. The planned maintenance will take place concurrently with repair work underway on a hydrogen reformer connected to U2, which experienced an unplanned outage in August.

During the maintenance period, which is scheduled to last approximately 6 weeks, U2 is expected to operate at reduced rates while the company's other upgrader (U1) is expected to continue normal operations. The planned maintenance is expected to support safe, reliable operation of upgrading assets as Suncor works to achieve its annualized average oil sands production target of 280,000 bpd (+/- 5%) in 2010.

On a monthly basis, Suncor reports production numbers from its oil sands operation in order to provide stakeholders with a more timely review of operational performance. These numbers are preliminary and subject to adjustment. Monthly totals may differ from the year-to-date total due to rounding, the impact of sales and changes in inventory. Production volumes will be confirmed when Suncor's third quarter results are released.

Production numbers include upgraded sweet and sour synthetic crude oil and diesel, as well as non-upgraded bitumen sold directly to the market, from all Suncor-operated facilities. Reported volumes do not include Suncor's proportionate production share from the Syncrude joint venture.

Tags: Suncor Energy