Following phase-in and start-up, all Stage 3 processing units have been placed into service. Production will be ramped up as experience is gained operating the new units. The Stage 3 expansion raises Syncrude’s production capacity to 128 million barrels per year (350,000 barrels per day) of Syncrude Sweet Premium, a premium light synthetic crude oil. Production of this new and cleaner crude oil product is now targeted to commence in late 2007 or early 2008, and is expected to be in high demand by refineries. A major environmental benefit of the Stage 3 investment will be a reduction in total sulphur dioxide emissions of about 20 per cent from pre Stage 3 expansion levels, despite a 50 per cent increase in plant capacity.