Powering midstream operations using LNG to meet emissions regulations

Utility companies in the remote Bakken region have struggled to keep up with the high demand for grid power, caused by the surge in midstream construction and expansion over the past decade. This has left midstream developers searching for fast and reliable alternatives for power. In turn, development in this region has created the need for more stringent emissions regulations due to the environmental impact of these facilities, which also causes concerns for many midstream developers when high-line power is delayed.

A developer in North Dakota faced a four to five month wait to receive local utility power after the projected completion date of their compressor station, which left them in dire need for power. Without the needed infrastructure to collect and transport site gas, it would have to be flared rather than marketed, which would have negatively impacted the site’s emissions reporting. The company contacted Aggreko to help bridge the utility gap and prevent the need for gas flaring.

Aggreko was required to devise a plan to allow the company to continue production and help meet the emission requirements, as well as prevent additional emissions from the use of large diesel generators. The compressor station would require power for (5) 2500 HP electric compressors plus an additional 1 MW for other site needs. Aggreko’s technical specialists worked alongside the station’s senior electrical engineer to develop an electrical design and explore alternative fuel options, including natural gas, LNG and CNG. After comparing the cost, logistics and emission of each fuel option, it was determined that LNG would satisfy all requirements.

The power package delivered consisted of (12) 1 .3MWs of natural gas generator units using LNG as a fuel source along with the needed distribution equipment, including transformers, breakers and switchgear. These generators were also equipped will Aggreko’s remote monitoring (ARM) technology, which evaluated the operation of the generators throughout the entire project. This technology was especially beneficial in the monitoring of the emissions coming from the generator engines.

Aggreko was able to address all of the operator’s concerns, providing a full assessment of its electricity requirements and designing an emissions compliant, cost-effective solution. The power package provided allowed the customer to start the compressor station on time to feed downstream processing plants and eliminated the need to flare more than 3.6 billion cubic feet of gas.