Energy Transfer, the U.S. pipeline system operator, has created a new business unit for the development of alternative energy projects; including renewable sources like solar, and wind, the company announced this Thursday.
Firstly, the new business unit is going to be called Alternative Energy Group; and it is going to be led by Tom Mason, Energy Transfer’s General Counsel, in which role he will continue. Secondly, as for the group itself it is aimed at reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
Thirdly, under Mason’s direction the group will focus on the development of alternative energy projects such as solar, wind; also renewable diesel and also renewable natural gas. The strategy for it could be as a power purchaser, or in partnership with third parties.
Moreover, such renewable energy projects could also involve the utilization of the company’s extensive pipeline system, which is approximately 90,000 miles long and crosses 38 states.
In addition, the group is part of a partnership in which Energy Transfer participates; just recently, the partnership announced one of its first results regarding renewables.
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Moreover, it supported the construction of a 28 MW solar project in Texas, the Maplewood 2 Solar project; developed in conjunction with Recurrent Energy. In addition, the project is expected to start operations by the second quarter of this year, and it is the group’s first solar power purchase contract.
Although this marks a substantial step for the company towards energy transition, efforts in this direction are not new for Energy Transfer. It has been reducing its carbon footprint for the last 10 years, according to its statement. Its Dual Drive Compression system is an example of that.
Moreover, the Dual Drive compressor, which makes possible for operators to switch back and forth between an electric motor and a natural gas one, has allowed the company the avoidance of 632,000 tons of CO2, just in 2020.
“Also, other emission reduction initiatives in place range from the use of emissions prevention technology, such as vapor recovery units and stabilizers at natural gas process plants; also, to thermal oxidizers and direct injection systems to reduce or prevent methane emissions,” the company underlines.
In conclusion, with this effort, the company will play a broader role in efficiently and safely transporting energy commodities throughout the U.S.; from oil, gas and now renewable energy or renewable fuels.
