Decarbonizing Drilling Operations Using a More Efficient Power Source, Electrical Utility Power

Abstract Electrification has proven to be an effective way to lower operational costs and reduce the carbon footprint of drilling operations. This paper provides a technical analysis of highline (grid) power utilization on drilling rigs through the lens of an innovative technology that connects a rig to a power grid, reducing Scope One emissions to nearly zero. Traditionally, diesel engines and generators have been used to produce electricity, both direct and alternating current (DC and AC) for drilling operations. This power source is effective and reliable, but it has drawbacks that can be addressed using highline electrical power, which is more affordable, efficient, and clean. Recently introduced technology allows drilling operations to be powered by an electrical utility grid using a substation transformer to step down highline power voltages to rig voltage and interface the utility grid with the rig's powerhouse. An electrical transfer switch enables the rig to switch between highline and generator power quickly and easily. In situations where grid power cannot be utilized, the highline transformer module allows the existing power generation system to remain integrated to the drilling rig. The system is compatible with both Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) drilling rigs and has minimal impact on rig move timelines. Powering the drilling rig with electricity instead of generators decreases on-location emissions and noise levels to near zero, and highline power can reduce the overall carbon footprint of drilling operations even more when utility power is created by more efficient and lower polluting methods such as natural gas power plants, nuclear power, or renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.). Field data collected from more than 20 highline transformer modules deployed on rigs across the Lower 48 United States demonstrates an average daily reduction in Scope One emissions of 20 metric tons of CO2e per rig. With highline powered operations becoming more commonplace in the United States, technological advancements are starting to make their way to global markets.