Propane-Powered ESPs: A Right-Sized Approach
Client: A Global Oil & Gas Corporation
Location: Midland, TX
Sectors: Oil and Gas
The Challenge
An oil & gas operator required a reliable and efficient power solution to run their electric submersible pumps (ESPs)
The customer noted that the site’s load was too small to meet the minimum fuel consumption for compressed natural gas (CNG) generators and was unsure of the best method to power these ESPs. After receiving competitor bids offering oversized solutions that required five, or sometimes more, generators, they called Aggreko — leading to avoided complexity, fuel consumption and environmental and economic concerns.
Key Facts
The Solution
Tailored liquid propane solution to maximize efficiency with fewer units
Our team assessed the application requirements and proposed a more efficient setup using just three of our new 350 kW rich burn natural gas generators powered by propane as a fuel source, which was a necessary, more affordable fuel option.
Our team educated the customer that propane would be the right fuel type to deliver a right-sized fuel consumption level that provided the correct amount of power for ESP operation.
These units were carefully configured to meet the ESP load demand while maximizing fuel efficiency. We demonstrated that a tailored propane-powered solution could not only work—but could do so with fewer assets, reduced emissions, and a streamlined footprint. Over time, our solution proved to be cost-competitive with increased power density.
The Impact
Reliable ESP operations with more efficient and cost-effective power
The results exceeded expectations. The ESPs have been operating reliably with our rich-burn generator solution, delivering performance on par with, or better than, larger, more equipment-heavy alternatives. By minimizing equipment needs and optimizing fuel use, we helped the customer significantly reduce costs. In addition, our clean-burning technology provided a more sustainable solution, aligning with the customer’s environmental goals.
Ultimately, this project changed perceptions, proving that propane-powered rich-burn generators can be a smarter, cleaner, and more cost-effective way to power critical oilfield operations.