$27M in Grants to Scale Emission Control Treater (ECT) System

Pioneer Energy has been awarded $27 million in grants by the US Department of Energy (DOE) to further develop its Emission Control Treater (ECT) system, a technology designed to reduce emissions in oil production. The funding will help scale the system across multiple projects, including enhancing crude oil yields by 5–10% while ensuring near-zero emissions. This innovative system works within a closed-loop environment, eliminating the need for routine flaring and atmospheric storage tanks, while significantly reducing the presence of heavy natural gas liquids (NGLs) in crude oil.

ECT Technology’s Efficiency and Cost-Reduction Capabilities

The ECT is designed to process crude oil in a more efficient, environmentally friendly manner compared to traditional methods. By incorporating superior separation technology, the ECT ensures that no flash gas remains in the crude and removes the need for atmospheric storage tanks. This innovative approach helps cut down emissions significantly. Additionally, its modular design allows it to be scaled efficiently as the well pad matures, reducing capital expenditure (CAPEX) and overall ownership costs. The cloud-connected automation enables remote monitoring, further improving operational efficiency by reducing maintenance costs and manual labor.

Four Key Projects Funded by DOE to Demonstrate Technology’s Potential

The DOE has provided four grants to Pioneer Energy to support the deployment and field testing of the ECT system across various projects, with each focusing on different aspects of oil production and emission reduction:

1. Commercial-Scale Near-Zero Emissions Oil Production Facility
A $10 million grant from the DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management will fund the scaling of the ECT system to a commercial capacity of 2,500 barrels per day (BPD). This project will involve six-month field trials with Bayswater Exploration & Production and Prairie Operating in Colorado, with deployment set for Q4 2025.

2. Zero-Emission Sweetening and Stabilization for Sour Crude
A $6 million grant will support the adaptation of the ECT for processing sour crude oil, aiming to lower sulfur concentrations to parts-per-million levels while achieving major emissions reductions. This project will be carried out in partnership with Bayswater Exploration & Production.

3. Zero-Emission Systems for Marginal Conventional Wells
A $5 million grant will finance the development of smaller, cost-effective ECT systems for marginal conventional wells. These systems will serve as drop-in replacements for existing infrastructure, allowing for easy integration with minimal additional investment. The project will be demonstrated over 12 months in East Texas with Diversified Energy Company.

4. Methanol Synthesis from Flare Gas to Mitigate Methane Emissions
The final $6 million grant will fund a project in collaboration with Emvolon to convert flare gas into methanol, reducing methane emissions. This innovative gas-to-liquid technology, developed by MIT, will be demonstrated over a 12-month period in Texas’ Eagle Ford region.

Pioneer Energy’s Role in Advancing Energy Transition

Pioneer Energy’s CEO, Eyal Aronoff, expressed the company’s excitement about the grants, highlighting that the funding will enable the scaling and commercialization of their emission control technologies. By reducing or eliminating flaring and providing scalable solutions for oil production, Pioneer Energy aims to make significant strides in the energy transition while maintaining oil production efficiency. The company is committed to improving energy security while minimizing environmental impact, proving that advanced technologies can meet the energy demands of today and the future.