In an environmental and cost-saving leap forward, Hess Corporation has announced that it successfully electrified its four drilling rigs in Bakken, North Dakota, replacing the traditionally used diesel fuel with electricity. The shift is projected to cut down greenhouse gas emissions from these rigs by an estimated 50% and decrease energy costs by nearly 70% within the next five years.
This move towards electrification comes as part of Hess’s broader sustainability and operational efficiency strategy. By using electricity instead of diesel, the company has minimised truck traffic, noise, and odors, generally associated with the delivery and usage of diesel fuel.
Hess nets $1.13 per share in Q1, 2023 | OilNOW
To ensure continuity in drilling operations, Hess has implemented backup diesel generators, which can be swiftly mobilised in case of any electrical power interruption. The changeover was piloted in 2022, where it was found that having electricity as the primary power source for the rigs enhanced reliability by providing a secondary power supply. Moreover, this innovation is anticipated to lessen drilling downtime significantly.
For the successful completion of this groundbreaking project, Hess collaborated closely with Nabors Industries and Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative. Canrig, a subsidiary of Nabors, provided the essential equipment including a transformer to distribute utility power to the rig. Mountrail-Williams Electric, on the other hand, was responsible for the installation of highline power to the well pads and assisted in making the final connection to the distribution equipment onsite.
Hess Corporation is also a significant player in the offshore oil and gas sector in Guyana. It holds stakes in the ExxonMobil-operated Stabroek and Kaieteur Blocks.
