The Single Biggest Challenge When Powering Multiple Sites In One Oilfield

The typical oilfield covers a huge tract of land, involving many different sites that are often situated far from reliable grid power. 

This presents a number of complex challenges. In particular, how do you supply uninterrupted power to every site, in every part of the field, to support gathering facilities, artificial lift systems and other high-horsepower pumps? And what do you do if you need to construct power lines across land you don’t own? 

One of the most effective ways to handle this is by setting up a temporary, centralized, power plant called a microgrid.

What Are Microgrids and How Can They Help You?

Microgrids have their own power generation systems, fueled by diesel or natural gas. They’re a very attractive alternative to placing individual smaller generators at each site because they help you cut both costs, emissions, and maintenance challenges by a considerable margin.

That said, microgrids need distribution lines set up to get this power from the generators to the various sites around the oil field. These lines can be overhead, i.e. constructed above the ground, or buried, i.e. laid below ground. 

Either way, this presents a problem if you don’t have right of way agreements in place, as we’ll explore in a moment.

What Is Right of Way (and Why Is This a Problem for Microgrids)?

A right of way is an agreement or easement that allows you to get onto or through someone else’s property. You need to secure these before you can construct any kind of power line that runs through land you don’t own, from every property owner along your route.

To get power from your microgrid out to every part of your oilfield, the chances are you’ll need to cut across someone else’s land. That means you need to get all these landowners or leaseholders to review and approve your right of way construction proposals before you can install distribution lines to each well. 

What Can You Do About It?

You can’t force these people to change their minds and you can’t go ahead without getting them on board, so you need to make this a priority.

Make sure you engage landowners with your plans from the outset, building a good relationship with them and taking the time to listen to any concerns they may have. 

Focus on the benefits that this approach brings to them - for example, the microgrid will reduce total emissions by 15-40%, helping you to keep air quality issues in check. Be patient and prepared to negotiate!

What’s the Alternative?

If one landowner point-blank refuses to let you build power lines across their property, you may be able to reroute the lines to avoid construction on this portion of the lease. 

If this isn’t possible, or if several people along your planned route refuse your request, you may have to either scrap the microgrid approach altogether or only provide the micro-grid power to a portion of the lease and not the other(s). 

Final Thoughts...

Projects like this highlight the importance of engaging other stakeholders in the area with your construction plans, showing that you’re considerate of their needs and concerns. 

You never know when you might need them on your side, so make sure you take issues like environmental damage and noise pollution seriously from the outset, doing everything you can to limit inconvenience and negative impact.

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