Using a Hybrid Off-Grid Semi-Fixed Solar System to Power a Water Pump in a Water Supply Well in Remote Areas

ARA Petroleum Exploration and Production Company has successfully installed a hybrid off-grid semi- fixed solar system to power an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) for a water supply well in Oman's remote area (Oil North Field). The system is designed to provide the power output of a 40 KW water ESP pump. The pump usually runs for 10 hrs/day. The well is used for supplying water for drilling activities and other operational requirements with an actual power of 30 KW. The uniqueness of this system is its ability to power the ESP well directly without an over-headline (OHL) with a synchronizing system and an automated switchover to a diesel generator when required. Moreover, a real-time operation system that can be downloaded on a mobile application. In addition, a CCTV camera, and solar lighting are available in the location to control and monitor the performance of the solar system. Utilizing solar systems in this project provides a cost saving on diesel consumption and reduces its associated CO2/GHG emissions. The system runs in the daytime on solar for 6 hours. The rest of the 4 hours is compensated with diesel. The anticipated cost saving on diesel consumption and CO2 emission reduction is around 60%. The success of this project will allow the technology to be replicated in many locations in remote areas. In order, to support the ICV and develop SME companies, the project was awarded to a local SME company, and the learning from this installation was shared between the vendor and ARA E & P, as this system was the first of its kind implemented in Oman.