Axis Energy Services said March 11 it successfully launched the oil and gas industry's first fully electric well service rig, the EPIC RIG.
EPIC RIG, which is deployed on wells operated by Occidental, has the ability to run on grid power for reduced emissions and increased fuel flexibility.
As the first service rig engineered around electric-powered drawworks, the EPIC RIG “represents a major differentiation from traditional rigs with diesel-powered drawworks,” Axis said in a March 11 press release.
The EPIC RIG VFD (variable frequency drive) can connect to the public power grid through a transformer, enabling operators to leverage renewable energy sources, eliminate emissions at the well site and save “significantly” on fuel costs, the release stated.
The EPIC RIG also has the flexibility to use a range of diesel alternatives, including field gas and natural gas, making it "adaptable" to remote locations and various conditions in the field.
The EPIC RIG features a built-in programmable logic controller system that works with the Axis CORE data acquisition and analysis platform to give the rig operator precision control and enable automated safeguards that potentially reduce human error, Axis said.
The rig is currently reworking production wells for Occidental under a long-term contract in the Permian Basin.
In addition to the rig currently under contract with Occidental, Axis is developing two more EPIC RIG(s) for launch later this year, one of which will be a completion rig for frac plug drill outs.
"Expanding electrification is integral to Oxy's (Occidental) strategy because it contributes to emissions reductions, improves efficiency, creates cost-savings and leverages technology to accelerate our net zero goals," said Bob Barnes, senior vice president of operations at Occidental.
Recommended Reading
Keeping it Tight: Diversified Energy Clamps Down on Methane Emissions
2024-04-24 - Diversified Energy wants to educate on emission reduction successes while debunking junk science.
Darbonne: The ESG Sword: BlackRock's Life, Death by ESG
2024-04-17 - BlackRock, the $10 trillion investment manager, is getting heat for too much ESG investing, while shareholders are complaining it’s doing too little.
Fire Closes Atlas Energy’s Kermit, Texas Mining Facility
2024-04-15 - Atlas Energy Solutions said no injuries were reported and the closing of the mine would not affect services to the company’s Permian Basin customers.
Coalition Launches Decarbonization Program in Major US Cities, Counties
2024-04-11 - A national coalition will start decarbonization efforts in nine U.S. cities and counties following a federal award of $20 billion “green bank” grants.
Exclusive: Scepter CEO: Methane Emissions Detection Saves on Cost
2024-04-08 - Methane emissions detection saves on cost and "can pay for itself," Scepter CEO Phillip Father says in this Hart Energy exclusive interview.