H2nanO previously demonstrated SolarPass photocatalytic treatment of organics in oilsands process affected water numerous times in offsite testing and pilots. Working offsite limited the scale and length of the programs, so demonstrating SolarPass technology in the active mine environment was the next hurdle to overcome to validate the commercial readiness. Partnering with the Pathway’s Alliance members Suncor, Imperial Oil, and Canadian Natural, the Imperial Kearl mine site was selected for a pilot during the summer of 2025. Funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta, Alberta Innovates, and the Clean Resource Innovation Network supported project development and execution.
To meet the challenges of the onsite pilot demonstration, H2nanO scaled-up our SolarPass manufacturing, equipment, and processes by 10-times, making this the pilot the world’s largest demonstration of solar photocatalytic water treatment. A full team effort, H2nanO engineers worked closely with our supplier and integrators to design and fabricate the necessary process systems and controls to operate and monitor the SolarPass pilot. H2nanO scientists and field staff worked to coordinate the logistics required for not only operation of the system but also the completion of a robust analytical sampling and monitoring program in a remote location.
Onsite construction and commissioning of a model treatment pond was completed in late spring, managed by H2nanO staff and involving multiple contractors and Imperial operations teams. Two-months of treatment demonstration validated the ability of SolarPass to treat mine water through the variable conditions and weather experienced onsite. Target flowrate, throughput, and operational uptime metrics were met, highlighting the reliability of the SolarPass process for full-scale operations.
H2nanO has proven SolarPass as a practical, powerful, and carbon-efficient solution for treating oil sands mine process affected water, delivering reliable contaminant removal and semi-passive operation. This pilot project marked a major milestone, showcasing the successful scale-up of SolarPass and operation of the system in an active mine environment.
By choosing SolarPass, our clients take a significant step toward solving operational and environmental challenges. Together we’re leading the way in sustainable and cost-water treatment for Alberta’s oil sands and more. Have a water treatment challenge? Connect with our team to discover how H2nanO can help!