Commercial gas flows for Suncor in Syria

Calgary-based Suncor Energy has announced that production of natural gas from its Ebla project in Syria has begun.  Suncor, which is CanadaÔÇÖs largest energy company, took over management of the project when it acquired Petro-Canada last year. It is now selling gas into the Syrian market with the approval of the Syrian government after successfully commissioning and testing the project's wells, pipelines and other equipment.  The C$1.2 billion Ebla project is located in the Central Syrian Gas Basin and includes the Ash Shaer and Cherrife development areas, which cover more than 1,250 square kilometers combined.  Ebla comprises gas producing wells, gas gathering and compression stations, around 80 kilometres of pipeline and a gas treatment plant.  The project taps estimated gas reserves of 500 billion cubic feet. It will produce about 80 million cubic feet of natural gas per day which will be delivered into the Syrian national gas grid for the local market.  Suncor's partner in the project is SyriaÔÇÖs General Petroleum Corp.  Mark Little, senior vice president, International & Offshore, said: "The team has delivered ahead of schedule, within budget and with a strong safety record. Achieving this significant milestone at the Ebla development is an outstanding example of the company's project execution expertise."  J├│n Ferrier, country manager, Syria, commented: "This has truly been a team effort by our employees in Syria, together with our partners, the General Petroleum Corporation, our contractors and the entire workforce on the project.  "As we move into the operational phase, I am confident that the investment we have made in training and preparing the workforce will ensure that we maintain our strong performance in operations and safety."  Over the past year, Suncor has been shedding assets that don't align with its oil sands-focused strategy. It has sold natural gas properties in western Canada, the US and Trinidad and Tobago, generating proceeds of more than $1.54 billion thus far.  However, Suncor said its Syrian assets, as well as operations in Atlantic Canada and the North Sea, are worth keeping.  Petro-Canada entered Syria in 2002 via the purchase of assets from Veba Oil & Gas. It took over the production sharing agreement for the Ash Shaer and Cherrife fields in 2006.