Midland-based Bechtel Energy and Houston-based Five Point Energy said last week they reached agreement for Five Point to use Bechtel’s proprietary LEEDS technology (low energy ejector desalination system) to provide produced water desalination services to customers in Permian Basin. Deep Blue Holdings, portfolio company of Five Point, will operate Bechtel’s pilot unit at a saltwater disposal well near Midland to support development and to demonstrate the technology. Testing will end in early 2024.
Paul Marsden, president of Bechtel, said Aug. 14, “Bechtel places a core focus on protecting people and the environment, and we’re proud to help our customers find new and innovative ways to meet their sustainability goals.” David Capobianco, CEO of Five Point, added, “Five Point and our dedicated platforms have always been pioneers in addressing the produced water needs of blue-chip clients and reducing reliance on freshwater sources for drilling and completion activities.” Bechtel’s announcement said, “With the volume of produced water expected to continue to grow over the coming years, finding an economically viable solution is critical for fit-for-purpose use of produced water. The LEEDS technology is designed to treat water using less energy than traditional thermal evaporation processes and requires no external sources of heat.”