Skip to main content

Turning flared ethane into efficient electricity

Client: Chemical plant

Location: UK

Sectors: Petrochemical and refining

The Challenge

Generate site electricity from flared ethane

Our client had a challenge. Their main consumer plant was out of action, which meant some of the ethane stored on-site had to be flared because there was no other use for it. Which is when they turned to us. Could we use this waste ethane to generate site electricity? Could we alleviate environmental flaring
issues while reducing energy costs? Could we do it all within an initial six-week installation period? Challenge accepted.

The solution

Full design, commissioning, installation and analysis

Our experts modelled a complete solution, with full design and project reviews, cost saving analysis, equipment sizing, installation and grid connection. To power our solution, we commissioned three of our own J420C 1440 KWe generators. While all engines had to be retuned to run on ethane instead of natural gas. To ensure full compliance and complete peace of mind, we also carried out full generator testing and certification.

The impact

Minimising site power costs and environmental flaring issues

The project has achieved all objectives. Waste ethane is now being used to generate efficient site electricity. Saving our client money and minimising the environmental effects of flaring.

Fact File Heading

Generators 3 x 1440kW
2,000 hours 6,000 MWh
Installation 6Weeks
Thinking 360°
"Aggreko have been an excellent partner for this project. The project was not without legislative challenges but thanks to Aggreko’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and technical depth, these hurdles were all overcome and generators were brought on line without issue. Since start-up the generators have performed exactly as stated on the tin and with excellent health and safety performance."

_

Customer