Pneumatic devices are the largest source of oil and gas methane emissions in Alberta. Valves, controllers and pumps at well sites run using pressurized methane that is released directly to the atmosphere. Alberta- based Calscan Energy aims to change this with the development and scale-up of their Near Zero Emission Well Control System. The solar-electric system eliminates all pneumatic equipment and is designed for reliable winter operations at remote off-grid well sites and incorporates a solid acid fuel cell (SAFC) that is powered by industrial grade on-site methanol. If it is successful, the solar-fuel cell hybrid power system would also eliminate the need for expensive small-scale propane or natural gas generators that are commonly used to power communication systems and auxiliary equipment at remote sites.
