EMPOWERED HEAT
Heavy Oil
The RF XL 2.0 system design is simple, low cost and low energy intensity.
Acceleware’s RF XL 2.0 is a patented, all-electric, radio frequency (RF) thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology designed to augment production capabilities of heavy oil reservoirs dramatically. It is a first-of-kind technology for heavy oil production which injects RF energy to heat water molecules in situ, thereby mobilizing oil without surface steam, fresh water, or solvents.
How Does RF XL 2.0 Work?
RF XL 2.0 uses RF energy to generate heat, which converts the water already existing within the oil sands reservoir to steam, mobilizing the bitumen and allowing it to flow to the producing well.
Acceleware's RF XL 2.0  process, coupled with new software advancements, involves the drilling of two RF heating lines into the target zone and their connection to a surface power supply.
RF XL 2.0  eliminates the need for water source wells, water treatment equipment, and steam generators, as well as the requirement for costly chemicals or solvents.
Acceleware’s $30M RF XL Marwayne Pilot:
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The ability to heat reservoirs and maintain continuous power injection
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Advanced the technology readiness level from TRL-4 toward TRL-8
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RF XL 2.0 Could Enable More Barrels To Be Produced FASTER and at LOWER OPERATING COST.
From Pilot to Commercial Deployment
RF XL 2.0’s trajectory to commercialization is advancing. Acceleware aims for a multi-well demonstration in 2027, with broader commercial deployment immediately following. This timeline means operators and governments could see economic returns from expanded production and cost savings within a few years—far sooner than many large-scale decarbonization alternatives.
Unlocking New Production
5%
30%
Much of Canada’s unconventional oil remains unrecovered because existing enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods cannot economically reach it. This oil is trapped in:
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Post-Cold Heavy Oil Production reservoirs
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Reservoirs that are deep
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Small, thin or shallow reservoirs
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Fractured or crack rock
These reservoirs often retain up to 90% or more of their oil. Previously produced or bypassed reservoirs also hold significant oil in place. RF XL 2.0 targets these reserves, with estimates showing recovery factors could increase from roughly 5% from primary production to over 30% in suitable formations while potentially unlocking billions of barrels in bypassed reservoirs.
Technology To Enable A 'Canadian Energy Superpower'
Royalty streams and resource rents grow by unlocking previously uneconomic reservoirs. Producers see improved margins, while local service industries (drilling, instrumentation, power systems) expand. High-tech manufacturing, software, monitoring and control systems for RF delivery further diversify regional economies.
RF XL 2.0 technology is developed domestically so most of the value chain will remain in Canada. Rather than importing specialty hardware or systems, Canada will retain the intellectual capital, jobs, and export potential. This reinforces energy self-reliance and reduces exposure to global supply chain disruptions.
As Canada seeks to compete in global energy markets, lower-cost oil that meets stricter emissions criteria becomes more attractive, giving our heavy oil assets a competitive edge.
Decarbonization: A Valuable Advantage
While RF XL 2.0’s strength certainly lies in unlocking barrels faster, cheaper and at scale, the technology also offers meaningful environmental benefits. RF XL 2.0 can cut emissions intensity, energy demand and could approach near-zero emissions when powered by clean electricity.
RF XL 2.0 also eliminates fresh-water use, requires no solvents, and reduces land footprint, making it more environmentally compelling.