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 engine, a 3,000 horsepower natural gas variable speed engine offering direct drive solution with superior thermal efficiency.
The technology promises significant advantages including reduced fuel costs, lower emissions, and extended maintenance intervals - estimated at four times longer than standard diesel engines. The engine demonstrates high tolerance to methane content fluctuations and can operate across various gas compositions, providing flexibility in fuel sourcing. The system is designed to be EPA Mobile Off highway and CSA compliant, while maintaining compatibility with multiple well-servicing transmissions.
Cummins (NYSE: CMI) e Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) hanno annunciato piani per l'impiego del primo motore a gas naturale a velocità variabile e grande cilindrata per la piattaforma di fratturazione idraulica digiPrime di Liberty nei primi sei mesi del 2025. Il sistema è dotato del motore HSK78G di Cummins, un motore a gas naturale a velocità variabile da 3.000 cavalli vapore che offre una soluzione a trasmissione diretta con un'efficienza termica superiore.
La tecnologia promette vantaggi significativi, tra cui costi di carburante ridotti, emissioni inferiori e intervalli di manutenzione prolungati - stimati fino a quattro volte più lunghi rispetto ai motori diesel standard. Il motore dimostra un'elevata tolleranza alle fluttuazioni del contenuto di metano e può operare con diverse composizioni di gas, offrendo flessibilità nella fornitura di carburante. Il sistema è progettato per essere conforme alle normative EPA Mobile Off Highway e CSA, mantenendo al contempo la compatibilità con diverse trasmissioni per il servizio di pozzi.
Cummins (NYSE: CMI) y Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) anunciaron planes para implementar el primer motor de gas natural de velocidad variable y gran desplazamiento de la industria para la plataforma de fracturación hidráulica digiPrime de Liberty en la primera mitad de 2025. El sistema cuenta con el motor HSK78G de Cummins, un motor de gas natural de velocidad variable de 3,000 caballos de fuerza que ofrece una solución de transmisión directa con una eficiencia térmica superior.
La tecnología promete ventajas significativas, incluyendo menores costos de combustible, menores emisiones y intervalos de mantenimiento prolongados, estimados en hasta cuatro veces más largos que los motores diésel estándar. El motor demuestra una alta tolerancia a las fluctuaciones del contenido de metano y puede operar con diversas composiciones de gas, proporcionando flexibilidad en el abastecimiento de combustible. El sistema está diseñado para cumplir con las normativas de la EPA Mobile Off Highway y CSA, al mismo tiempo que mantiene la compatibilidad con múltiples transmisiones para el servicio de pozos.
Cummins (NYSE: CMI)와 Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT)는 2025년 상반기에 Liberty의 digiPrime 수압 파쇄 플랫폼을 위한 업계 최초의 자연가스 가변 속도 대형 엔진을 배치할 계획을 발표했습니다. 이 시스템은 Cummins의 HSK78G 엔진을 특징으로 하며, 3,000 마력의 자연가스 가변 속도 엔진으로, 우수한 열효율성을 제공하는 직접 드라이브 솔루션을 제공합니다.
이 기술은 연료 비용 절감, 배출가스 감소 및 유지보수 간격 연장 등 중요한 장점을 약속합니다. 이 간격은 표준 디젤 엔진보다 최대 4배 더 긴 것으로 추정됩니다. 이 엔진은 메탄 함량 변동에 대한 높은 내성을 보여주며 다양한 가스 조성에서 작동할 수 있어 연료 소싱의 유연성을 제공합니다. 이 시스템은 EPA 모바일 오프 하이웨이 및 CSA 규정을 준수하도록 설계되었으며, 여러 우물 서비스 전송 시스템과의 호환성을 유지합니다.
Cummins (NYSE: CMI) et Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) ont annoncé des projets visant à déployer le premier moteur à gaz naturel à vitesse variable et à grand déplacement de l'industrie pour la plateforme de fracturation hydraulique digiPrime de Liberty au cours de la première moitié de 2025. Le système intègre le moteur HSK78G de Cummins, un moteur à gaz naturel à vitesse variable de 3 000 chevaux-vapeur offrant une solution à entraînement direct avec une efficacité thermique supérieure.
La technologie promet des avantages significatifs, notamment des coûts de carburant réduits, des émissions plus faibles et des intervalles de maintenance prolongés - estimés jusqu'à quatre fois plus longs que ceux des moteurs diesel standard. Le moteur fait preuve d'une grande tolérance aux fluctuations du contenu en méthane et peut fonctionner avec diverses compositions de gaz, offrant ainsi une flexibilité dans l'approvisionnement en carburant. Le système est conçu pour être conforme aux réglementations de l'EPA pour les applications mobiles hors route et aux exigences CSA, tout en restant compatible avec plusieurs transmissions de services de puits.
Cummins (NYSE: CMI) und Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) haben Pläne angekündigt, die erste natürliche Gasvergasungsmaschine mit variabler Drehzahl und großem Hubraum für die digiPrime hydraulische Fracturing-Plattform von Liberty in der ersten Hälfte des Jahres 2025 einzusetzen. Das System verfügt über den HSK78G-Motor von Cummins, einen 3.000 PS starken Gasmotor mit variabler Drehzahl, der eine Direktantriebslösung mit überlegener thermischer Effizienz bietet.
Die Technologie verspricht erhebliche Vorteile, einschließlich reduzierter Kraftstoffkosten, geringerer Emissionen und längerer Wartungsintervalle - geschätzt auf bis zu viermal länger als bei Standard-Dieselmotoren. Der Motor zeigt eine hohe Toleranz gegenüber Schwankungen des Methangehalts und kann in verschiedenen Gaszusammensetzungen betrieben werden, was Flexibilität bei der Brennstoffversorgung ermöglicht. Das System ist so konzipiert, dass es den Vorschriften der EPA für mobile Off-Highway-Anwendungen und den CSA-Vorgaben entspricht und gleichzeitig mit verschiedenen Wellendienstgetrieben kompatibel bleibt.
- First-to-market advantage with innovative natural gas engine technology
- Projected 4x longer maintenance intervals compared to diesel engines
- Reduced operational costs through improved fuel efficiency
- Lower emissions profile enhancing environmental compliance
- Flexible fuel source capability across various gas compositions
- Significant wait time until deployment (first half 2025)
- Initial investment and transition costs not disclosed
Insights
The strategic partnership between Cummins and Liberty Energy marks a transformative development in hydraulic fracturing technology. The adaptation of the HSK78G engine for variable speed operations represents a significant competitive advantage in the completions services market.
The technical specifications are impressive: 3,000 horsepower direct drive solution with enhanced thermal efficiency. The projected 4x increase in engine life to overhaul maintenance intervals compared to standard diesel engines translates to substantial operational cost savings and improved uptime. This advancement addresses three critical industry pain points: fuel efficiency, emissions reduction and maintenance costs.
The technology's market implications are substantial:
- Operational flexibility through fuel source adaptability reduces supply chain constraints and costs
- Compatibility with existing mechanical technicians minimizes training and implementation barriers
- Front power take-off capability creates additional value through auxiliary power support
- EPA Mobile Off highway and CSA compliance positions the technology favorably amid tightening regulations
The timing of the 2025 deployment aligns with increasing industry focus on ESG metrics and operational efficiency. This positions Liberty Energy advantageously in the completions services market, potentially capturing market share through superior technology while meeting evolving environmental standards.
This technological advancement represents a important step in the industry's environmental evolution. The variable speed natural gas engine system delivers dual environmental benefits through both improved efficiency and reduced emissions, addressing key regulatory and stakeholder concerns.
The environmental implications are significant:
- Enhanced thermal efficiency reduces overall carbon footprint
- Natural gas fuel flexibility enables optimization for lowest-emission fuel sources
- EPA Mobile Off highway and CSA compliance provides regulatory certainty
- Reduced maintenance requirements minimize waste and resource consumption
From a regulatory standpoint, this technology positions Liberty Energy favorably as environmental regulations continue to tighten. The system's ability to adapt to various gas compositions while maintaining efficiency provides valuable flexibility in meeting future emission standards across different operating environments.
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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Information provided in this release that is not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our forecasts, guidance, preliminary results, expectations, hopes, beliefs and intentions on strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to our plans and expectations for our revenues, EBITDA and agreement in principle to settle regulatory proceedings regarding our emissions certification and compliance process for pick-up truck applications. Our actual future results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements because of a number of factors, including, but not limited to: any adverse consequences resulting from entering into the Agreement in Principle, including required additional mitigation projects, adverse reputational impacts and potential resulting legal actions; increased scrutiny from regulatory agencies, as well as unpredictability in the adoption, implementation and enforcement of emission standards around the world; evolving environmental and climate change legislation and regulatory initiatives; changes in international, national and regional trade laws, regulations and policies; changes in taxation; global legal and ethical compliance costs and risks; future bans or limitations on the use of diesel-powered products; failure to successfully integrate and / or failure to fully realize all of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Meritor, Inc. (Meritor); raw material, transportation and labor price fluctuations and supply shortages; aligning our capacity and production with our demand; the actions of, and income from, joint ventures and other investees that we do not directly control; large truck manufacturers' and original equipment manufacturers' customers discontinuing outsourcing their engine supply needs or experiencing financial distress, or change in control; product recalls; variability in material and commodity costs; the development of new technologies that reduce demand for our current products and services; lower than expected acceptance of new or existing products or services; product liability claims; our sales mix of products; uncertainties and risks related to timing and potential value to both Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. (Atmus) and Cummins of the planned separation of Atmus, including business, industry and market risks, as well as the risks involving the anticipated favorable tax treatment if there is a significant delay in the completion of the envisioned separation; climate change, global warming, more stringent climate change regulations, accords, mitigation efforts, greenhouse gas regulations or other legislation designed to address climate change; our plan to reposition our portfolio of product offerings through exploration of strategic acquisitions and divestitures and related uncertainties of entering such transactions; increasing interest rates; challenging markets for talent and ability to attract, develop and retain key personnel; exposure to potential security breaches or other disruptions to our information technology environment and data security; political, economic and other risks from operations in numerous countries including political, economic and social uncertainty and the evolving globalization of our business; competitor activity; increasing competition, including increased global competition among our customers in emerging markets; failure to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations or standards, or achieve our ESG goals; labor relations or work stoppages; foreign currency exchange rate changes; the performance of our pension plan assets and volatility of discount rates; the price and availability of energy; continued availability of financing, financial instruments and financial resources in the amounts, at the times and on the terms required to support our future business; and other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC filings, including particularly in the Risk Factors section of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this release and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. More detailed information about factors that may affect our performance may be found in our filings with the SEC, which are available at http://www.sec.gov or at http://www.cummins.com in the Investor Relations section of our website.
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
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
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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.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250128544381/en/
Liberty Energy
Michael Stock
Chief Financial Officer
Anjali Voria, CFA
Director of Investor Relations
303-515-2851
IR@libertyenergy.com
Source: Liberty Energy Inc.
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