California-based E&B Natural Resources Management Corporation (E&B) is investing in PV energy in order to help run its oil production facilities in both Santa Barbara and Kern counties. Once these two PV projects are completed, they will help cut down carbon dioxide emissions by more than 700,000 metric tons over the 20-year life of the projects.
The project will feature an integrated solar oil field operation consisting of a 23MW photovoltaic facility that will be constructed at the Poso Creek oil field in Kern County, which is co-owned by E&B and Grade 6 Oil, LLC.
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Over in Santa Barbara County, E&B will deploy a 3MW PV project at its oil operation in New Cuyama. This solar energy will offset traditional utility-supplied electricity, with project construction expected to begin in the first half of 2019, with full implementation in 2020.
Das Williams, Santa Barbara County supervisor, said: “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. 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.”
Steve Layton, president of E&B, added: “E&B is committed to using the best technology available to the industry. 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.”