For years, associated gas - a natural by-product of the oil extraction process - was considered operational waste. In Ecuador, as in many countries, the usual practice was to burn it in lighters to avoid its accumulation. However, this method, although functional, generates polluting emissions, wastes a valuable energy resource and is now facing stringent environmental regulations that require it to be phased out by 2030.
At Gente Oil Ecuador, we take on the challenge not only as an obligation, but also as an opportunity to transform that gas into useful energy. In Block 53, we are developing a technical-operational model that converts gas into a source of efficient electricity generation, significantly reducing emissions and adding value to the extractive process.
What about gas?
The associated gas contains a high percentage of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), exceeding on average 72% concentration of active compounds. Prior to its utilization, it must undergo complex processes of degassing, dehydration and suitability for transport or transformation.
Flares, while controlling pressure and eliminating surpluses, are neither sustainable nor sufficient. Even with encapsulation or bypass systems, there are still risks of leakage and emissions.
For this reason, at Gente Oil we are committed to a more ambitious solution: using this gas to generate electricity on site.
The solution: microturbines and dual motors
Desde junio de 2024, implementamos en Bloque B un sistema de microturbinas que transforma el gas en energía eléctrica para uso interno. Las primeras pruebas han logrado generar hasta 200 kilovatios de potencia, equivalentes a más de 5.000 kWh diarios, con eficiencia estable.
Además, estamos modificando motores diésel existentes para operar con gas dual (diésel + gas), lo cual reduce el consumo de combustible fósil tradicional y mejora la eficiencia térmica del sistema. Actualmente, cinco motores en Bloque B operan con una mezcla que ya incorpora un 20% de gas, aumentando progresivamente su capacidad.
La meta ahora es llevar el mismo modelo a Bloque A, avanzando hacia un sistema completo que utilice el 100% del gas aprovechable.
Results, impact and next steps
This approach has allowed:
- Significantly reduce gas flaring in operational burners.
- Decrease theCO₂ footprint in the atmosphere in a measurable way.
- Generate internal energy that reduces dependence on diesel.
- Early compliance with the standards established by current environmental regulations.
Currently, Gente Oil Ecuador is recognized as one of the operators that has made the most progress in complying with the plan to eliminate lighters by 2030. In fact, our internal commitment is to achieve total burner shutdown by 2028, two years ahead of the established deadline.
Desde 2014, los mecheros del Bloque 53 fueron construidos bajo normativa, y operan con estrictos controles. Hoy, son parte de una estrategia de transición energética interna, que busca convertir un pasivo ambiental en valor energético tangible.
A transition from the field
La distancia entre los frentes operativos —por ejemplo, 4 kilómetros entre Bloque Norte y Bloque B— implica desafíos logísticos y técnicos. Pero cada avance es parte de una estrategia que no improvisa: diseña, mide y mejora.
The energy transition starts here. Not in speeches, but in every valve closed, every engine converted and every ton of gas transformed into useful energy.
People Oil Ecuador
