Northeast Natural Energy Reducing Emissions with Natural Gas-Powered Drilling Rigs

MORGANTOWN, WV, October 25, 2022— Northeast Natural Energy (Northeast) is reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Monongalia County, West Virginia, by partnering with Patterson-UTI Drilling to replace diesel generators with Waukesha natural gas reciprocating engines to provide power for drilling rigs. The natural gas fuel used to run the engines is 100% field gas from producing Northeast wells.  Josh Dalton, Northeast’s Drilling Manager, said “on average, we are offsetting 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel per day, and by year end, we will have offset almost 500,000 gallons of diesel fuel.”  Northeast further estimates that offset will increase to 750,000 gallons of diesel in 2023.  Switching to clean-burning natural gas engines enables Northeast to cut emissions of Nitrogen Oxides and Particulate Matter by greater than 99%, as well as cutting emissions of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide by 34% and 7%, respectively.

Not only is Northeast reducing emissions, but truck traffic is also significantly reduced by eliminating approximately 200 diesel fuel deliveries. Through initiatives like this partnership with Patterson-UTI Drilling, Northeast demonstrates its ongoing commitment to continual improvement of its operations.