E&B Natural Resources Management Corporation (E&B), an independent oil and gas company based in California, is investing in solar electricity to help run its oil production activities in Santa Barbara and Kern counties.
Image: E&B is investing in solar electricity to help run its oil production activities in Santa Barbara. Photo: Courtesy of Angie Warren on Unsplash.
E&B’s solar initiative will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from the two projects. In total, this will result in a combined carbon dioxide emissions reduction of more than 700,000 metric tons over the 20-year life of the projects.
An integrated solar oil field operation consisting of a 23 MW DC photovoltaic facility generating electricity will be constructed at the Poso Creek oil field in Kern County which is co-owned by E&B and Grade 6 Oil, LLC. In Santa Barbara County, E&B will deploy a 3 MW DC photovoltaic facility at its oil operation in New Cuyama. This solar energy will displace traditional utility-supplied electricity, therefore reducing greenhouse gas and other emissions. Project construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2019 with full implementation in 2020.
“This project to run existing oil operations with solar power is an excellent example of California’s climate initiative in action. It proves the viability of the state’s programs to reducing greenhouse gases,” stated Das Williams, Santa Barbara County Supervisor. “It is encouraging to see an oil company taking steps to transition to renewables, especially in areas like the Cuyama Valley. As a proud environmentalist who successfully advocated that over 50% of the state’s energy come from renewable sources by 2030, I applaud E&B’s initiative.”
“E&B is committed to using the best technology available to the industry,” stated Steve Layton, President of E&B. “By integrating solar technology into E&B’s oil and gas operations, these projects demonstrate that renewable energy and oil production together can provide Californians with a reliable source of low-cost and environmentally friendly energy.”
“In Kern County, we are proud of the proven ‘all of the above’ energy strategy. As a leader in both oil production, innovation and renewable energy, Kern has land use policies that support this project. And with our continued collaboration with our business community, we demonstrate the economic value of energy development for a healthy community,” said Lorelei Oviatt, ACIP, Director Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department.
“Environmental stewardship is a vital part of E&B’s operation,” concluded Layton. “We hope that the Santa Barbara and Kern projects serve as a model to demonstrate how traditional and renewable technologies can work together to achieve a common goal.”
The Poso Creek Solar Project is a 23 MW DC photovoltaic facility proposed in Kern County at the Poso Creek Oil Field (located north of Bakersfield about 5 miles). It is projected to provide 20 to 50 percent of the company’s electricity site requirements for the next 20 years. The Poso Creek oil field was discovered almost a century ago in 1920. E&B has had an ownership position in the field for almost 40 years.
The Cuyama Valley Solar Project is a 3 MW DC photovoltaic solar facility proposed in Santa Barbara County at the South Cuyama Unit and projected to provide 25 to 50 percent of the company’s electricity site requirements for the next 20 years. The oil field in the Cuyama Valley was discovered in 1948 and E&B took ownership in 2004.
Source: Company Press Release.