Evaluating the Economic and Environmental Impact of Solar Hybrid Systems for Off-Grid ESP Wells: A Sustainable Alternative to Diesel Generators in Oil Field Operations

In a move toward sustainable energy solutions, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has deployed its first solar hybrid system to support off-grid oil well operations. Located in the remote southern region of Oman, this fixed-tilt photovoltaic (PV) system delivers 224 kW of power to three ESP (Electrical Submersible Pump) wells, which together demand a continuous 90 kW. The hybrid configuration integrates solar PV, batteries, and diesel generators, operating independently of overhead power lines. The system enables solar-powered operation for 13 hours daily and switches to diesel at night, supplying over half of the site's total energy needs from renewable sources achieving 54.2% of the facility's energy demand. The PV installation, comprising 486 modules over a 2,760 m2 area, operates under an annual global horizontal irradiance of 2,256 kWh/m2. Simulation results confirm a performance ratio of 83.8%, indicating high operational efficiency. Real-time monitoring capabilities enhance operational efficiency, while the hybrid setup has already demonstrated significant reductions in diesel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, specifically 281 tons of CO2 annually. What sets this system apart is its custom-developed, web-based monitoring platform, engineered specifically for this hybrid configuration. The platform offers real-time operational visualization, displaying power flows, battery status, load distribution, and system transitions across energy sources. It updates data every five minutes, enabling precise diagnostics and performance optimization. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the system's technical performance, economic implications, and environmental impact, underscoring the value of hybrid energy systems in modern oilfield operations.