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Abstract Efforts to develop electrical submersible pumping (ESP) system technology for harsh environment applications has resulted in equipment designed and developed specifically for applications in higher temperature wells. This paper will discuss the development evolution of this equipment through Centrilift's state-of-the-art high temperature test facility "hot loop" and continuing development by field operations in Canadian SAGD applications. Internal Development The utilization of a state-of-the-art test facility that can be entered and exited at strictly planned / controlled intervals where temperature, system cycling and system monitoring can be controlled in a safe environment, has been instrumental in advancing the ESP equipment technology to a satisfactory operational level at 200° C – 220° C (392° F – 428° F) environments. This facility allows the equipment component design and materials evaluation to proceed quickly and under controlled procedures, with the end result being a fully tested and evaluated system for field applications. Several equipment modifications based on the test results will be discussed. Field Testing/Development The utilization of customer owned producing wellsites for initial application of the extreme temperature equipment is critical for the final ‘live’ well test of the design and tweaking of minor issues that would be difficult to detect under cleaner and controlled lab type environments. Further equipment design focus beyond 250°C will be dependent upon SAGD operators' targets and requirements.