E&B Natural Resources Management, 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. 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 oilfield operation consisting of a 23 MW direct-current (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. 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,” said 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,” said Steve Layton, the company's president. “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.”