Oil and gas driller acquires Electric Fracturing Fleet for Marcellus and Utica shale plays
Seneca Resources Company, the exploration and production segment of National Fuel Gas Company, will deploy NexTier Oilfield Solutions’ electric Emerald fracturing system at its sites in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays of the Appalachian Basin.
Power to the integrated electric fracturing fleet will be supplied from VoltaGrid’s power generation system featuring reciprocating natural gas generators. These generators will be fueled by natural gas, produced on-site.
Each pumping unit will have two independent 3,000-HHP electric pumps on a single trailer. These pumps will produce more pumping power than the conventional diesel-powered fracturing fleet while taking up less space.
As per the multi-year agreement signed between Seneca Resources and NexTier, the new fleet will begin operations in the first quarter of calendar year 2023 and decrease emissions, fuel costs and equipment footprint.
“Our strategy of providing industry-leading natural gas-powered frac fleets benefits NexTier and our customers with a reduced emissions profile, lower fuel cost, improved safety and more efficient completions operations,” NexTier President and CEO Robert Drummond said. “This initiative demonstrates the forward thinking and alignment accomplished through our long-standing relationship with Seneca as our work together progresses from Tier 4 Dynamic Gas Blending technology to electric completions. We are excited to work hand in hand with Seneca and VoltaGrid to achieve this milestone in our Low Cost, Low Emissions journey."
Several oil and gas exploration and production firms are adopting electrification in their drilling practices. Last month, ProPetro Holding signed a long-term lease agreement for two electric frac fleets as part of its fleet transition strategy, expecting delivery by the third quarter of 2023.
U.S. Well Services also entered into a long-term contract with Appalachian oil and natural gas exploration and production firm Olympus Energy to provide electric pressure pumping services.
Houston-based NexTier Oilfield Solutions is a well completions specialist with operations through the midwest and central U.S. and the Appalachian Basin.
