The case for electrifying brownfield compressor stations

8/7/2024

Special Focus: Pipeline, Infrastructure and Transport N. J. van RENSBURG, Siemens Energy, Houston, Texas Gas transmission system operators around the world are under intense pressure to reduce emissions, lower costs and ensure profitability in a future defined by market volatility. Upgrading legacy drive systems in compressor stations can play a key role in achieving these objectives. For compressor stations that rely on older gas turbine mechanical drives (and where a grid connection is available), converting to an electric motor drive (e-drive) offers several advantages (FIG. 1), including lower operational expenditures (OPEX), increased operating flexibility and a reduced carbon footpr