Market Opportunities for Electric Drive Compressors for Gas Transmission, Storage, and Processing

Abstract

There is great interest in the large potential market for electric drives in the gas transmission, gas storage, and gas processing industries. Progressive electric utilities and astute vendors are moving to meet the needs of these industries as they confront rapid changes and new realities. New policy and economic considerations, brought on by changes in environmental and business regulations and new compressor/driver technology, are causing these gas industry companies to consider electric motors for replacement of older gas engines and for new compressor installations. In ozone nonattainment regions, bringing gas compressor stations into compliance with NOx emission regulations is a must. Outside those regions, new electric drives are being considered because of their improved operating efficiencies and lower costs. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), working through the EPRI Chemicals and Petroleum Office, is providing leadership in the efforts to further dialogue among gas companies, electric utilities, and vendors. EN strategists is working closely with EPRI, the electric utilities, and the gas transmission companies to promote consideration of The Electric Option.