Production / Operations
Cardinal Energy talks Reford 2, Kelfield SAGD projects

CJ · Price
Executive Summary
- Cardinal Energy Ltd. provided a strategic update on its thermal business unit, highlighting the successful performance of the Reford 1 SAGD project and the advancement of two new development projects: Reford 2 and Kelfield.
- Reford 1 is currently producing above its 6,000 bbl/d nameplate capacity, with a target of 6,500 bbl/d by Q1 2026, demonstrating strong technical execution and reservoir quality.
- The company has consolidated 100% working interest in Reford 2 (located 10km north of Reford 1) and holds 100% interest in Kelfield (40km south), both targeting the Waseca channel with analogous geological attributes to Reford 1.
Key Details
- Reford 1 Performance:
- Construction and commissioning completed ahead of schedule and on budget.
- Currently producing above the 6,000 bbl/d (100% heavy oil) nameplate design capacity.
- Targeting production volumes of 6,500 bbl/d in the first quarter of 2026.
- Reford 2 Project Highlights:
- Location/Interest: Located ~10 km north of Reford 1; Cardinal holds 100% working interest (acquired in H2 2025).
- Design Capacity: 4,250 bbl/d base, expandable to 6,500+ bbl/d.
- Capital Costs: ~$140 million for base project; additional ~$40 million for expansion to 6,500 bbl/d.
- Timeline: 18 months from commencement to first steam.
- Payout: Estimated ~2 years to payout capital costs based on current strip oil prices.
- Operating Life: Approximately 20 years.
- Status: Regulatory application and review processes are underway; mapped with 3-D seismic and stratigraphic wells.
- Synergies: Expected operational, cost, and infrastructure synergies with Reford 1 due to proximity; adopts proven Reford 1 facility and SAGD well design.
- Kelfield Project Highlights:
- Location/Interest: Located ~40 km south of Reford 1; Cardinal holds 100% working interest.
- Design Capacity: Minimum 4,000 bbl/d, expandable to 6,000+ bbl/d.
- Operating Life: Approximately 20 years.
- Status: Regulatory application and review processes are underway; mapped with 3-D seismic and stratigraphic wells.
- Design: Adopts proven pre-existing Reford 1 facility and SAGD well design.
- Costs/Timeline: Construction timelines and costs are similar to the Reford 2 project.
- Additional Thermal Projects:
- Comprehensive technical program initiated on two further prospects within the land base.
- Activities include reprocessing/reinterpreting existing 3-D seismic, acquiring new 3-D seismic data, re-evaluating historical stratigraphic wells/core with updated petrophysical workflows, and drilling new stratigraphic wells.
- Goal is to refine initial development planning, work up resource size, and improve expected SAGD deliverability.
- Strategic Context:
- Active discussions with the Government of Saskatchewan regarding long-term development potential.
- Alignment with Saskatchewan’s objective of achieving 600,000 barrels per day of provincial oil production.
- Strategy focuses on responsibly growing the thermal portfolio in high-quality, long-life reservoirs.
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May 07, 2026 · 17:02