A Permian Microgrid Case Study - Keys to Successful Implementations

Abstract As the oil and gas industry's interest in more electrified solutions continues to grow, the demand for more complex power management systems is on the rise. While utilizing utility power to energize a wellsite can help lower emissions, the utility's power typically isn't sufficient to meet a wellsite's high-power demands. Additionally, some applications have very aggressive loads which can conflict with utility companies' aims to keep power steady 24/7. Given these dynamics, understanding the different options available when selecting a power source for a wellsite is imperative to maximize the benefit of all available resources without impacting operations. This paper examines key considerations for successfully erecting a microgrid system in the oilfield that includes a variety of distributed energy resources (DER) such as gensets and energy storage systems interconnected to a power grid, as well as the option of not only importing power from the grid but also exporting power if needed. Approaches to customize a microgrid to fulfill a wellsite's unique requirements will also be highlighted. A case study of a wellsite in the Permian powered by a microgrid will be shared. This example will explain how the wellsite, which can require up to 25 megawatts (MW) of power, can successfully operate on 10 MW from the utility with 15 MW supplemented by gas-fueled gensets. It will also cover how the power management system allowed the operator to reduce the need for on-site power generation by 40% by replacing that power demand with grid power.