### Navigating the Challenge: Oil and Gas Companies Securing Clean Energy Amid Grid Strains
In the burgeoning energy landscape, oil and gas companies are finding themselves in a competitive battle to secure the clean energy they need, particularly in regions like the Mountain West, Gulf Coast, New England, and the Upper Midwest. Commercial electricity demand has surged significantly since 2019 in critical oil and gas states such as Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and the West, putting a strain on the grid’s ability to meet these increased demands.
#### The Quest for Sustainable Operations
Many oil and gas operators are turning towards electrification to reduce costs and emissions. According to a recent survey conducted by Endeavor Business Intelligence on behalf of NextEra Energy, 88% of oil and gas companies are either currently electrifying their operations or evaluating the feasibility of doing so. The benefits of electrification, such as lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact, have driven this shift towards clean energy solutions.
However, securing clean energy is proving to be a formidable task. Oil and gas leaders reported that at least half of their companies are struggling to get the energy they need in key regions. This scarcity of clean energy is particularly challenging in regions with grid power constraints, such as areas experiencing rapid industrialization or population growth.
#### Innovative Strategies to Secure Clean Energy
To address these challenges, oil and gas companies are exploring innovative strategies:
1. **Grid Power with Renewable Energy Credits**
– Thirty percent of surveyed companies are already using grid electricity supplied with renewable energy credits. This solution leverages utilities and retail electric providers to offset energy consumption with renewable production, though it is not a sustainable long-term solution due to grid capacity limitations.
2. **Off-Site Renewable Energy**
– Thirty percent of companies are utilizing energy from off-site renewable projects, such as solar and wind farms. However, the integration of these sources is hindered by the need for costly and lengthy transmission and