Integrating Renewable Energy Behind the Meter in Upstream Oil and Gas Operations - Part I

Abstract

The cost of renewable power has decreased rapidly over the last 15 years, making investment in renewable energy an attractive way for any large power consumer to cost-effectively reduce scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. As the oil and gas industry evolves to meet the challenges of the energy transition, including greenhouse gas reduction targets, the application of renewable energy resources behind the meter is a viable strategy to meet these needs. This paper intends to be the first of two discussions centered around the integration of renewable power in upstream oil and gas applications. The authors will discuss the process from feasibility evaluations, including power forecasting and greenhouse gas reduction estimates, to major barriers in selecting locations for development. A key technical challenge considered is integrating inverter-based resources to load serving substations. A case study based on a solar farm in West Texas, which has a relatively low cost of electricity, will be used as a model in this paper. Emphasis will be given to behind-the-meter renewable energy challenges highlighting the different economic incentives as compared to in front of the meter applications.