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Australian Energy Producers Journal Australian Energy Producers Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

Wellsite serviced power model for the CSG industry

Gregory Edward Harris
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CD Power, 6/24 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006, Australia. Email: gregh@cdpower.com.au

The APPEA Journal 58(2) 715-718 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ17186
Accepted: 22 March 2018   Published: 28 May 2018

Abstract

CD Power (CDP) was challenged by a coal seam gas (CSG) operator to develop a wellsite power supply solution that would lower the operators running costs ($/kWh) whilst improving availability from low 90% to above 97% power availability. Furthermore, the operator sought a supply, install and maintain approach – resulting in a cheaper, more reliable outsourced energy solution.

Typically, energy supply to wellsites in Australia consists of expensive inflexible and slow to install high voltage (HV) cable reticulated to each well. As wellsites deplete, these HV cables cannot be rerouted, resulting in expensive loss of capital. These limitations prompted operators to seek a highly mobile and cost focussed solution.

CDP was contracted to deliver an innovative program of power solutions for a major CSG operator at 50 wellsites in 2017. The contract is to design, manufacture, install and maintain mobile 3-phase power supply units for wellsites. These units are powered by gas reciprocating engine generators and solar battery modules with synchronising switchboards.

The full wellsite serviced power contracting model is a first of its kind for the CSG industry and is based on delivering high power availability and collaborative field service performance. CDP anticipates that providing a high level of technical innovation and superior performance, they will see the model extended across the industry and challenge the traditional economics around HV wellsite power.

This paper will address the challenges faced in moving from a traditional segregated power model to a performance-based model at a time when the power industry is surrounded by innovation.

Keywords: advanced analytics, coal seam gas, gas, high voltage, Industry 4.0, innovation, performance, plug and play, power, power generation, reciprocating engines, remote monitoring, synchronising, switchboards, technology, utilisation, wellsite, wellsite serviced power.

Gregory Edward Harris, CD Power – General Manager Resources, B. Eng. Mechanical and Production Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia. Greg is a Senior Project Manager, Business Development and Strategic Management Consultant successful in the designing and execution of large capital projects totalling $30 billion across various geographies for start-up to blue-chip companies. He can integrate with partners and stakeholders from concept stage through to construction and operational readiness. He has demonstrated knowledge in delivering project execution strategies and relationship based contracting style strategies across different industries. Greg, through his current role as General Manger Resources with CD Power is responsible for developing off-grid power generation solutions for oil and gas and mining companies. His is combining technology and innovation to help revolutionise how power products and services are delivered to clients. Greg is a highly skilled project manager with experience spanning 30 years across a variety of industries specializing in oil and gas, coal seam gas, minerals and metals processing, mining, petrochemical, chemicals and pulp and paper. He has extensive experience with large EPCM projects (A$3.5b+) from feasibility through to asset and sustaining capital project programs. He played a lead role in assisting WorleyParsons become the preeminent relationship-based engineering service provider in Australia. Positions held, include General Manager, Industry Manager, business development, project management, engineering design and construction roles.