Liberty Energy, Cummins to deploy natural-gas-powered hydraulic frac system
Cummins and Liberty Energy have announced that the industry’s first natural gas variable speed, large displacement engine to power Liberty’s digiPrime hydraulic fracturing platform will be deployed in the first half of 2025. The companies entered into a strategic partnership in June 2024 to jointly develop the revolutionary technology for the completions services market.
Cummins HSK78G natural gas engine was first launched in March 2019 as part of a fixed speed generator set for the power generation market. 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. The pump configuration translates into reduced fuel costs and is one of the lowest emissions solutions in the completions market.
“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 CEO 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."
"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.”
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.
