Seneca, Evolution partner on electric fracturing in Appalachian Basin

Seneca Resources, the exploration and production unit of National Fuel Gas, is partnering with Evolution Well Services to deploy electric fracturing technology across its operations in the US’ Appalachian Basin.

Seneca’s operations consist of around 1.2mn acres (4,856 square km) in the Appalachian Basin, spanning both the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. According to National Fuel Gas’ website, Seneca produces around 1.2bn cubic feet (34.0mn cubic metres) per day of gas from the region on a net basis. The company has had a presence in the Marcellus since 2007 and, like other shale producers, has sought to boost its performance via innovation.

Electric fracturing technology has emerged as one example of shale innovation, with benefits such as increased efficiency, as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Evolution says on its website that its equipment is designed as a “fully integrated platform built to maximise safety, operational efficiency and output density”.

Under the three-year agreement between Seneca and Evolution, the latter will provide its electric fracturing technology, in-house power generation and advanced field gas conditioning services to the partnership. Combined with Seneca’s “responsibly sourced” gas production, the partnership will be aimed at improving operational efficiency while reducing the environmental footprint of completions, Evolution said.

Both Seneca and Evolution will be able to “leverage real-time data and engineered solutions to drive efficiency during high-intensity completions” under the partnership, Evolution added.

“This initiative reflects Seneca’s focus on disciplined capital allocation and operational execution,” stated Seneca and NFG Midstream’s president, Justin Loweth. “By leveraging our responsibly produced and gathered field gas to power electric fracturing operations, we can reduce fuel and logistics costs, improve reliability and uptime, and lower overall cost of ownership. Our partnership with Evolution demonstrates how thoughtfully integrated technology can drive meaningful operating efficiencies, enhance capital productivity, and deliver durable returns while maintaining strong environmental performance,” he added.

“This alignment exemplifies how innovation and disciplined execution can work together to advance natural gas development,” added Evolution’s president and CEO, Steven Anderson. “By integrating our fully electric fracturing technology, in house power generation, and field gas conditioning with Seneca’s responsibly sourced natural gas, we are delivering a completion solution that prioritises safety, reliability and efficiency while reducing operational complexity.”

No further details were provided. However, the latest news builds on a series of announcements by Evolution over the past few years about partnerships with other upstream players to deploy its electric fracturing fleets, often also in Appalachia.