Electric fracking, also known as e-fracking, is a method of hydraulic fracturing that uses electric-powered equipment rather than traditional diesel-powered fracking equipment. This approach is part of an effort to reduce the environmental impact and operational costs associated with traditional fracking methods. Here’s an overview of how electric fracking works and its benefits:
How Electric Fracking Works
1. Electric-Powered Equipment:
– Electric fracking involves the use of electric pumps and motors to power the hydraulic fracturing process. These electric pumps are powered by electricity generated from natural gas turbines or the local grid, replacing the diesel engines traditionally used in fracking operations.
2. Power Generation:
– The electricity needed for electric fracking can be generated on-site using natural gas turbines or sufficiently large natural gas engines. Turbines are the preferred technology because they are much more capable of utilizing natural gas, often sourced directly from the well being fracked or nearby gas wells, to produce electricity. Large engines have a much narrower band of fuel quality acceptance so often will require CNG to be provided which is significantly higher priced than well gas. Alternatively, if available, power can be sourced from the local electrical grid.
3. Hydraulic Fracturing Process:
– Like traditional fracking, electric fracking involves injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into underground rock formations at high pressure to create fractures. These fractures allow oil and gas to flow more freely to the production well.
Benefits of Electric Fracking
1. Reduced Emissions:
– Electric fracking significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants compared to diesel-powered fracking (See emission comparison here). By using cleaner-burning natural gas or grid electricity, electric fracking helps decrease the carbon footprint of fracking operations.
2. Lower Operational Costs:
– Electric fracking can lead to cost savings over time. Natural gas is often cheaper than diesel, and using on-site gas reduces the need for diesel fuel transportation and storage. Additionally, electric equipment tends to require less maintenance than diesel engines.
3. Improved Efficiency:
– Electric pumps can be more efficient and provide more consistent power output compared to diesel engines. This can enhance the overall efficiency of the fracking process and reduce downtime.
4. Reduced Noise Pollution:
– Electric motors are generally quieter than diesel engines, leading to reduced noise pollution. This is particularly beneficial in areas near residential communities or environmentally sensitive regions.
5. Enhanced Safety:
– Electric fracking can improve safety by reducing the risk of fuel spills and leaks associated with diesel. It also eliminates the hazards related to handling and storing large quantities of diesel fuel on-site.
Challenges and Considerations
1. **Initial Investment:
– The transition to electric fracking requires an initial investment in electric-powered equipment and infrastructure. This can be a barrier for some operators, although the long-term savings and environmental benefits often justify the costs.
2. Grid Dependence:
– If relying on the local grid for electricity, operators must ensure that the grid is reliable and capable of meeting the high energy demands of fracking operations.
3. Availability of Natural Gas:
– On-site natural gas turbines require a consistent supply of natural gas. This approach may not be feasible in areas without sufficient natural gas resources or infrastructure.
Future advances in the industry
As the technology matures, operators have looked to increase efficiencies through the following methods:
Multi-well frac’s from single pad
Movement towards ‘simu-frac’ where multiple wells are frac’d simultaneously from the same pad location. This reduces the number of times the bank of pumps and power needs to move, reducing cost.
Use of lowest cost fuel option
Utilization of well gas instead of CNG. Using the correct technology for the application such as the microgrid turbine solutions provided by Life Cycle Power, fuel savings can be maximized by using cheap or free natural gas.
Grid Power Planning
Pre-planning of sites with substations and grid power on location for the start of the frac. This is difficult because the amount of power required for frac is 10x the amount that will be needed once the site is in operation. Over sizing of substations and power lines to accommodate this may not be cost efficient.
Conclusion
Electric fracking offers a promising alternative to traditional fracking methods, providing environmental, economic, and operational benefits. As the energy industry continues to focus on sustainability and efficiency, electric fracking is likely to gain popularity and become a more common practice in oil and gas extraction .
About Life Cycle Power
Life Cycle Power is a provider of backup, bridging and permanent on site power solutions across the U.S. With one of the first and largest fleets of mobile power generators utilizing advanced turbine technology, they have made significant strides in electrifying the oilfield and many other industries.
For more information about how to solve your power problems contact them on
361-551-6023
yourpowerneeds@lifecyclepower.com