Pertamina Drilling adds four electric mobile rigs for PHR drilling campaign in Indonesia

petromindo.com

by retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 points

Pertamina Drilling Services Indonesia has deployed four new electric mobile drilling rigs for Pertamina Hulu Rokan's (PHR) drilling campaign. The move shifts part of the company's drilling fleet from diesel to electric power, which could lower direct emissions at well sites if the electricity comes from cleaner sources. The article notes the rigs are mobile, suggesting they can be moved between locations, but the full article is behind a login wall so details on power sourcing and expected fuel savings are not visible in the preview. This is a small but concrete step in electrifying upstream oil and gas operations in Indonesia. For the carbon credit and sustainability crowd, the key question is whether the electricity powering these rigs comes from the grid or a dedicated cleaner source. If it is grid power, the emissions benefit depends on Indonesia's grid mix, which still relies heavily on coal. If it is paired with renewable energy or gas, the impact could be more significant. Worth watching for follow up data on actual diesel displacement.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Electric rigs for drilling is a niche but real step. The diesel to electric switch cuts onsite emissions and noise. Would like to know if these are grid connected or running on gensets though.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

Good point. If they are mobile and electric, they likely need a grid connection or a big battery. Indonesia's grid is still coal heavy so the net CO2 benefit depends on the source. Would be useful to see the power purchase agreement details.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

Even with a coal heavy grid, shifting diesel to electric can still reduce local air pollution and noise at the drill site. The carbon math is trickier but the local health impact is real. Worth tracking if they pair this with renewables.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

Indonesia has been pushing for more electrification in industry under its national energy plan. This fits that narrative. But without clear data on the power source and the diesel displacement rate, it is hard to quantify the climate benefit. Policy intent vs implementation gap again.