Midcoast Energy achieves commercial operation of expanded CJ Express Pipeline and signs long-term service program with Siemens Energy

In the coming years, the coexistence of conventional and emerging energy sources will be critical as the world drives toward net-zero. Natural gas, abundant and inexpensive, can serve as a viable bridge fuel to a future where renewables and e-fuels contribute to the energy landscape. However, the industry must take aggressive steps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with delivering gas to destination markets. 

Siemens Energy is committed to helping midstream operators achieve this goal by leveraging the latest advancements in rotating equipment and digitalization to reduce emissions and operating costs from pipeline compression stations. 

This was recently illustrated with the start-up of the Grapeland Compressor Station in Texas. In February 2020, Midcoast Energy, LLC selected Siemens Energy to supply two SGT-400 mechanically driven RFBB20 compression packages for the station. This is the first application of the SGT-400
15-megawatt (20,000 horsepower) turbine variant in mechanical drive service in North America.

With its enhanced DLE combustion, the SGT-400 will comply with applicable North American emissions regulations. Within a challenging 10-month delivery window during a global pandemic, the packages have reached commercial operation. They are expected to increase the CJ Express pipeline’s transmission capacity from the East Texas supply areas to Gulf Coast demand centers to approximately 1 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d).

As part of its ongoing commitment to the project’s success, Siemens Energy signed an 8-year long-term program (LTP) with Midcoast Energy. The agreement will cover preventative maintenance for the gas turbine units and the pipeline compressors (i.e., “One Train” Approach).

Specific services offered include service exchange, 24/7 technical support, and labor for Level II inspections/activities, such as dry gas seal and bearing changeouts. Additionally, Siemens Energy will provide digitally-enabled solutions, including Remote Diagnostic Services through the MyHealth app, to meet aggressive availability guarantees for both trains -- ensuring maximum uptime and ROI for Midcoast Energy.