In a startlingly “green” move, the world’s first solar-powered enhanced oil recovery project was made public in the town of McKittrick, California. This revolutionary project was conceived by Fremont-based GlassPoint Solar, Inc to test the effectiveness of solar power. Basically, the project incorporates several large curved solar mirrors which are kept inside a placid greenhouse of glass. The immense power generated by these bulging monsters would significantly heat the water and turn it into steam for a steam injection operation. The whole technology would be used by independent oil producing Berry Petroleum Company.
The unique technology is also exclusive in its own right. It is much more convenient than other solar driven projects, as the large mirrors in this case will be protected by a sealed greenhouse, which by the way also allows the sunlight to pass singularly for increased efficiency. Also, an automatic washing system has been incorporated to reduce further costs.
According to Glasspoint, this technology could soon replace conventional methods, as it is much more economical. According to estimates – natural oil consumption can be reduced by a whopping 80%. Adding to that it has the potential to create significant number of green jobs. GlassPoint CEO Rod MacGregor said:
The price is fixed for the life of the system. If you move the economics, you can move more oil.
Image courtesy: Glasspoint and Midway Driller
Source: TaftMidwayDriller
