Ways the Oil and Gas Industry Can Improve Sustainability

The oil and gas industry gathers fuel for people to use, but to do so, it must expend lots of energy and resources. But there are many ways the oil and gas industry can improve sustainability. In a world where concerns about the environment are becoming increasingly prominent, companies must make changes to become more eco-friendly. This is especially true for an industry that is inherently not the most environmentally beneficial. Doing so can also aid oil and gas businesses, as they can make their operations less costly by reducing waste.

Investing in Renewable Energy

Typically, everything from heavy machinery to vehicles to household appliances runs on electricity and gas. However, investing in renewable energy has become a growing trend among oil and gas companies. This is because renewable energy advancements are continuously growing and making this kind of investment can bring stability to oil and gas businesses. Some companies are also researching ways to produce green biofuels as alternatives to fossil fuels, which could make them more attractive to consumers.

Implementing Recycling Measures

The oil and gas industry can improve sustainability with the right measures. Businesses can create infrastructure to refine used oil into diesel fuel. This can be an invaluable measure, as recycling used oil can help create more products. They can also save money that they would need to spend to safely dispose of the oil, since recycling it is often cheaper than throwing it away. Water is another resource that oil and gas companies often waste as they cool their drills and remove debris. They can clean and reuse water by using iron-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Those bacteria don’t produce harmful byproducts.

Using Energy Efficient Lights

Oil fields need lighting because work can progress into the night or early mornings. However, the light towers that companies use eat up substantial amounts of electricity and gas. This is harmful to the environment and drives up operation costs. With energy efficient lighting, companies can decrease their energy consumptions and save money. Lighting can benefit oil and gas companies by lasting longer and utilizing far less electricity. Some lighting systems also don’t need to burn diesel fuel, as they connect with oil rig power directly, lowering energy needs and allowing them to prevent emissions.