Methodology for the optimization of energy consumption under financial efficiency analysis with a high impact on reducing GHG emissions. Successful application case in the largest field in Colombia

Abstract

Global warming is one of the most serious environmental, social and economic threats the planet is currently facing, for this reason many companies and organizations have adopted a decisive approach to confront it. One of the most efficient strategies is reducing energy consumption, which has several advantages, such as the direct reduction in fuel consumption, and the inclusion of more efficient technology, which is reflected in financial benefits. This project allowed the creation of an applicable methodology for the oil and gas industry. In the process of analysis, very important alternatives were detected for optimizing energy consumption, which has an impact on the level of Greenhouse Gas Emission (GHG). These emissions, made up mainly of Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous Oxides, constitutes a fundamental issue of sustainability worldwide. This methodology was applied in Rubiales field, which has the highest hydrocarbon production records in the last ten years in Colombia, and whose energy consumption is high. The methodology included activities to measure the energy requirement per well, in addition to a rigorous financial analysis that allowed the evaluation and selection of candidate wells for optimization. As a result, various tasks were identified and later classified under the implementation of the analysis of expected current net value and investment efficiency.