Abstract
Assessing drilling rig power solutions in terms of technical and commercial success is vital for the oil and gas industry's sustainability and scalability. An analysis of various rig power methodologies and technologies was performed to understand their impact on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and rig power costs.
Land drilling rigs typically rely on diesel engines for power, but alternative options like natural gas engines, highline (grid) power, batteries, and blended fuel engines are also available. These alternatives need to be assessed for their effects on GHG emissions and rig power costs.
To conduct the analysis, rig power consumption profiles were compared across various methodologies and technologies to evaluate emissions. The results guide discussions with operators to determine the most suitable rig power options for their specific well programs.
Diesel engines served as the emissions analyses baseline, with assessments conducted over extended timeframes to normalize the results. Fuel consumption data was shared with engine oilfield equipment manufacturers to validate results. Alterations to the baseline, through technology and aftermarket retrofits, were explored.
Three early modifications included implementation of improved control and active alerts (~4.5% GHG reduction), the addition of a DC connected battery unit energy storage system (~20% GHG reduction), and engine modification to accept natural gas as a blended fuel (fumigated) with diesel (~50% GHG increase). Additional fuel technologies were compared, including lean-burn natural gas engine with battery (~3.3% GHG reduction) and rich-burn natural gas engine (~55% GHG increase). Grid power was analyzed similarly (~67% GHG reduction).
A second blended fuel modification (port injected) option was developed and tested, changing the technical and commercial relationship of blending diesel with natural gas (~17% GHG reduction).
Data is key to addressing the challenges of selecting the best solution for the application. Observations collected over several years reveal that different technologies yield varying GHG impacts during the well construction process that should be considered when evaluating the rig power source for future projects.
The port injected dual fuel option has undergone testing and evaluation in the first half of 2024 and is slated for broader market deployment in the latter half of 2024 and beyond. The results of this new technology will enhance rig power decisions and drive future innovations.
