Chevron Technology Ventures Launches World′s Largest Solar Enhanced-Oil-Recovery Project
Cutting-edge technology being applied to one of nation′s oldest oil
fields
Chevron Technology Ventures, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. that
identifies, evaluates and demonstrates emerging technologies, today
launched a unique demonstration project to test the viability of using
solar energy to produce oil. The project uses over 7,600 mirrors to
focus the sun′s energy onto a solar boiler. The steam produced is
injected into oil reservoirs to increase oil production. The project is
the largest of its kind in the world.
Chevron's solar-to-steam project uses over 7,600 mirrors to focus the sun's energy onto a 327-foot-tall solar tower to generate steam for enhanced oil recovery. (Photo: Business Wire)
'Through this demonstration, we want to determine the feasibility of
using solar power for enhanced oil recovery,? said Desmond King,
president of Chevron Technology Ventures. 'This technology has the
potential to augment gas-powered steam generation and may provide an
additional resource in areas of the world where natural gas is expensive
or not readily available.?
One of America′s oldest oil fields, the Coalinga Field began operations
in the 1890s. Because the heavy crude oil produced at the field does not
flow readily, it is more difficult to extract than lighter grades of
crude.
Chevron enhances oil production from the Coalinga Field by injecting
steam to heat the crude, thereby reducing its viscosity and making it
easier to produce. This steam is currently generated by burning natural
gas. The solar-to-steam project will supplement the gas-fired steam
generators and help determine the commercial viability of using heat
from the sun instead of natural gas to generate steam.
Throughout the course of the day, more than 7,600 mirrors track the sun
and reflect its rays to a receiver positioned on a solar tower. Using
heat from the concentrated sunlight, the solar tower system produces
steam that is distributed throughout the oil field and then injected
underground for enhanced oil recovery. The solar demonstration generates
about the same amount of steam as one gas-fired steam generator.
'Our region has a long history of pioneering innovative technologies,?
said Bruce Johnson, vice president of Chevron′s San Joaquin Valley
business unit. 'The work we are doing at Coalinga continues that
tradition, enabling us to examine a new technology that could have
significant implications for heavy-oil production.?
Chevron contracted BrightSource Energy, Inc., as the technology provider
and for engineering, procurement and construction. The project will be
operated by Chevron Technology Ventures.
Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV), a division of Chevron U.S.A Inc.,
champions innovation, commercialization and integration of emerging
technologies and related new business models within Chevron. CTV is
pursuing this goal through business units involving biofuels, emerging
energy and venture capital.
Editor′s Note:
The solar-to-steam demonstration project is made up of 3,822 mirror
systems, or heliostats, each consisting of two 10- by 7-foot mirrors
mounted to a 6-foot steel pole. There are 7,644 mirrors in total focused
on a 327-foot-tall solar tower. The project covers 100 acres, with
mirrors covering 65 acres and 35 acres devoted to support facilities.
Video can be found at www.chevron.com/solar.
Photos/Multimedia ?Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50014246&lang=en
Chevron Technology Ventures
Morgan Crinklaw, +1-925-790-6908
pubaffmr@chevron.com
