Cummins and Liberty Energy Partner to Develop and Deploy Industry-First Variable Speed, Large Displacement Natural Gas Engine Powered Hydraulic Fracturing System
Cummins (NYSE: CMI) and Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) announced plans to deploy the industry's first natural gas variable speed, large displacement engine for Liberty's digiPrime hydraulic fracturing platform in the first half of 2025. The system features Cummins' HSK78G natural gas engine, which will power a 3,000 horsepower direct drive solution.
The engine offers improved response time, load acceptance, and outstanding thermal efficiency, leading to reduced fuel costs and lower emissions. Key benefits include a maintenance interval four times longer than standard diesel engines and high tolerance to methane content fluctuations. The system is EPA Mobile Off highway and CSA compliant, maintaining reliability while reducing carbon footprint.
- First-to-market innovation in hydraulic fracturing technology
- 4x longer maintenance intervals compared to diesel engines
- Reduced fuel costs through improved thermal efficiency
- Lower emissions solution for the completions market
- Flexible fuel source compatibility with various gas compositions
- Deployment timeline extends to first half of 2025
- Requires specialized infrastructure for natural gas fuel supply
Insights
The strategic partnership between Cummins and Liberty Energy marks a pivotal advancement in hydraulic fracturing technology. The adaptation of the HSK78G natural gas engine for variable speed applications represents a significant competitive advantage in the completions services market.
The technology offers multiple compelling benefits:
- Four-fold increase in engine maintenance intervals compared to diesel engines
- Enhanced thermal efficiency through direct drive configuration
- Flexible fuel compatibility with varying methane content
- Dual-purpose capability with auxiliary power support
From a market perspective, this innovation addresses critical industry pain points. The reduced maintenance requirements and longer operational uptime directly impact the bottom line for service providers. The system's ability to handle variable gas compositions provides operational flexibility in different field conditions, a important advantage in diverse geological settings.
The timing of the deployment in early 2025 positions both companies to capitalize on the industry's increasing focus on emissions reduction and operational efficiency. This technology could become the new standard in hydraulic fracturing operations, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in the completions services sector.
This technological breakthrough aligns perfectly with increasingly stringent environmental regulations while maintaining operational efficiency. The EPA Mobile Off highway and CSA compliance of the HSK78G variable speed engine positions it as a viable solution for companies facing mounting pressure to reduce their carbon footprint.
The system's environmental benefits are multifaceted:
- Lower emissions profile compared to traditional diesel engines
- Improved fuel efficiency reducing overall resource consumption
- Ability to utilize field gas, potentially reducing flaring
The technology's ability to maintain performance while reducing emissions demonstrates that environmental compliance and operational efficiency aren't mutually exclusive. This could accelerate the industry's transition toward cleaner technologies, particularly as environmental regulations continue to evolve and carbon pricing mechanisms become more prevalent.
Cummins HSK78G natural gas engine was first launched in March 2019 as part of a fixed speed generator set for the power generation market. Designed to provide reliable power, regardless of the natural gas source or the operating environment, the engine reached new levels of efficiency and improved total cost of operation. The recent development effort for Liberty’s digiPrime platform leverages the already successful HSK78G platform and improves the 78 Liter natural gas spark-ignited engine’s response time and load acceptance during operation.
The digiPrime pump, anchored by a 3,000 horsepower Cummins natural gas variable speed engine, is a direct drive solution with outstanding thermal efficiency. This pump configuration translates into reduced fuel costs and is one of the lowest emissions solutions in the completions market.
Further savings can be found from the maintenance and servicing of the HSK78G variable speed engine. Projected data estimates an increase of four times the engine's life to overhaul maintenance interval when compared to a standard diesel engine, keeping the units in the field and operating for longer. The simple mechanical drive system utilizing the HSK78G engine can also be serviced by the same mechanical technicians as diesel engines, making adoption of this technology much easier.
“The successful development of the variable speed digiPrime pump reflects our continued commitment to innovation in pump technology that advances efficiency goals while reducing emissions,” commented Ron Gusek, President and named successor to the Chief Executive Officer of Liberty. “A variable speed, direct drive platform enhances our already industry-leading digiFleet offering by combining high fuel efficiency with the ability to manage transient load and precision rate control, unrivaled in the industry."
One of the key benefits of the HSK78G base engine that makes it inherently well suited to the well-servicing industry is its adaptability and flexibility. The engine has a high tolerance to fluctuations in the methane content of the fuel and can operate across various gas compositions – offering customers greater flexibility on their fuel source when in the field. Furthermore, it is designed to be compatible and adapt across multiple well-servicing transmissions. This solution, with its front power take-off, will also provide customers with options to support auxiliary power needs on location when operating below peak load.
"We are excited for this new chapter of our relationship with Liberty, as we work together to adapt Cummins technology to enhance their service offerings," Jenny Bush, President of Power Systems Business at Cummins, shared. “In addition to the high efficiency and reduced fuel consumption offered, the HSK78G variable speed engine will be EPA Mobile Off highway and CSA compliant. This solution, joining the portfolio of emission reduction technologies for industrial markets at Cummins, is a major step in providing products which help our customers reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the reliability, productivity and profitability of their operation.”
About Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, comprises five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by our global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen production technologies and fuel cell products. Headquartered in
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About Liberty Energy
Liberty Energy Inc. (NYSE: LBRT) is a leading energy services company. Liberty is one of the largest providers of completion services and technologies to onshore oil, natural gas, and enhanced geothermal energy producers in
Liberty is headquartered in
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
The information above includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “may,” “expect,” “estimate,” “outlook,” “project,” “plan,” “position,” “believe,” “intend,” “achievable,” “forecast,” “assume,” “anticipate,” “will,” “continue,” “potential,” “likely,” “should,” “could,” and similar terms and phrases. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements represent our current expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the results described in this release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions identified above or as disclosed from time to time in Liberty's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of these factors, many of which are beyond our control, actual results may differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Cummins Inc. Contacts
Melinda Koski
External Communications Director
317-476-3293
melinda.koski@cummins.com
Ayda Ogden
Industrial Markets Marketing Communications Leader
812-377-1811
ayda.ogden@cummins.com
Liberty Energy Contacts
Michael Stock
Chief Financial Officer
Anjali Voria, CFA
Director of Investor Relations
303-515-2851
IR@libertyenergy.com
Source: Cummins Inc
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