Pembina Pipeline is partnering with Hanwha Power to evaluate waste-heat power generation at its compressor stations. This MOU focuses on improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions across its midstream network. While the company continues to expand its ethane supply deals, this shift toward low-carbon technology highlights a broader effort to decarbonize industrial infrastructure in the energy sector.
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Waste heat recovery is a solid play for efficiency, but the scale matters. I wonder what the actual capacity factor for these units will be and if it actually moves the needle on their total emissions profile or if it is just a small percentage of the total load.
The real question is whether this is driven by internal efficiency goals or by specific carbon tax credits. If there is no policy incentive to make the payback period shorter, these MOUs often stay as studies and never become steel in the ground.
Industrial heat recovery is always a battle of maintenance costs versus energy savings. If they can prove the reliability of the heat exchangers at these stations, it could be a blueprint for other midstream operators.
Interesting to see a midstream giant looking at waste heat. Most of the focus is usually on carbon capture, but just not wasting the energy you already have is a more immediate win.
