Axis Energy Services said March 11 it successfully launched the oil and gas industry's first fully electric well service rig, the EPIC RIG.

EPIC RIG, which is deployed on wells operated by Occidental, has the ability to run on grid power for reduced emissions and increased fuel flexibility.

As the first service rig engineered around electric-powered drawworks, the EPIC RIG “represents a major differentiation from traditional rigs with diesel-powered drawworks,” Axis said in a March 11 press release.  

The EPIC RIG VFD (variable frequency drive) can connect to the public power grid through a transformer, enabling operators to leverage renewable energy sources, eliminate emissions at the well site and save “significantly” on fuel costs, the release stated.

The EPIC RIG also has the flexibility to use a range of diesel alternatives, including field gas and natural gas, making it "adaptable" to remote locations and various conditions in the field.

The EPIC RIG features a built-in programmable logic controller system that works with the Axis CORE data acquisition and analysis platform to give the rig operator precision control and enable automated safeguards that potentially reduce human error, Axis said.

The rig is currently reworking production wells for Occidental under a long-term contract in the Permian Basin.

In addition to the rig currently under contract with Occidental, Axis is developing two more EPIC RIG(s) for launch later this year, one of which will be a completion rig for frac plug drill outs.

"Expanding electrification is integral to Oxy's (Occidental) strategy because it contributes to emissions reductions, improves efficiency, creates cost-savings and leverages technology to accelerate our net zero goals," said Bob Barnes, senior vice president of operations at Occidental.

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