Design and Implementation of a Solar-Diesel Hybrid System for Oil and Gas Rigs

Remote oil and gas (O&G) rigs primarily depend on diesel generators (DGs), which results in high fuel costs, significant carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and logistical challenges. This paper presents the design, deployment, and performance assessment of a solar-diesel hybrid system implemented at a land rig in Saudi Arabia. The hybrid system consists of solar PV arrays, battery storage, and diesel generators managed by a smart Energy Management System (EMS). The study is divided into two phases: the first targets non-critical loads such as camp and lighting systems; the second explores a solar-battery-diesel solution to support drilling operations. Methodologically, this project involved extensive load profiling, site-specific solar irradiance analysis, hybrid system simulation, and phased implementation. The solar-diesel hybrid design for the camp included rooftop and portable solar PV panels totaling 390 kW, DC/AC inverters, and EMS integration. For lighting, solar-powered portable tower and crown lights were deployed. Results demonstrated a reduction of 207,676 liters of diesel and 557 tons of CO2 annually, alongside operational savings of over $17,000 USD. The hybrid drilling operations system, still in the planning phase, is projected to save 1.2 million liters of diesel annually and reduce emissions by 3,180 tons. Findings indicate significant environmental and economic benefits, validating the system’s scalability across other rigs in the region. This work supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and global energy transition efforts, demonstrating the feasibility and advantages of integrating renewables into critical O&G operations.