Rig Electrification to Hit Decarbonization Target Even More

Abstract Global warming is setting the whole world in a real challenge to select between, global economy and industry growth or environment protection. A commitment was set forth via COP organization requesting all countries to show progress and quantify decarbonization efforts. As opportunities always arise through difficulties and challenges, oil and gas industries in UAE found a series of innovative approaches where we can sustain our growth while meeting the decarbonization target. As drilling Rigs are representing one of the main diesel consumptions in oil field and hence Co2 emission, series of initiatives driven to pilot fit for purpose application to substitute diesel driven generator(s). Any initiative that leads to diesel consumption reduction will represent a building block toward the objective. However, most of them have been short to meet the decarbonization target set by UAE leadership (25% reduction by 2030). Solar energy and power storage batteries are on top of the pilots conducted but with limitations. Solar power generation requires a fixed setup / assets where nature of land rig is mobile however its very efficient and robust for fixed central camps. Power storing batteries are still limited to provide required range of energy to operate rigs independently or even partially. Dual fuel (Diesel and natural gas), biofuel and Hydrogen been on radar screen and assessed as well in this paper. Quick and low hanging fruit initiative where this case study about is to screen the existing power grid in our mature fields, quantify the spinning power per each power line and map the drilling location for the upcoming business plan hence evaluate the feasibility to connect rig directly to those power lines utilizing available spare power per each power line providing no future infrastructure or production facility is planned for this spare power.