Bechtel, a global leader in engineering, procurement, construction, and project management, launched the pilot operations of its Low Energy Ejector Desalination System (LEEDS). This technology marks an economic breakthrough by recovering more than 50% of treated produced water, transforming it into a reusable, clean water supply.
According to a release from Bechtel, LEEDS is designed to be a cost-effective, end-to-end solution that converts produced water from oil and gas fields into usable, end-marketable products. This breakthrough is meant to create a valuable new water supply and alleviate stress on limited freshwater resources, addressing the growing crisis of water scarcity in the Permian Basin.
Bechtel has been conducting field tests of LEEDS in collaboration with Deep Blue Holdings LLC, a portfolio company of Five Point Energy, at a saltwater disposal well near Midland, Texas, in the Permian Basin since December 2023, according to the release. The system is consistently treating 400 barrels per day, meeting all performance specifications for recovery, energy efficiency, and water quality.
"To build a better world, we must confront significant challenges head-on. The crisis of water scarcity in the Permian Basin is growing increasingly prevalent. LEEDS is Bechtel's resolute response, unlocking untapped water resources and transforming produced water into valuable products," said President of Bechtel Energy Paul Marsden in the release.
"At scale, customers using LEEDS could recover enough clean water to meet the daily water needs of the city of Midland, Texas," said Bechtel. Ongoing pilot operations are expected to reveal further application opportunities, showcasing LEEDS for customers who can benefit most from treating produced water.
"LEEDS is a transformative solution, and we are honored to partner with Bechtel on this most critical initiative, which presents compelling benefits for all stakeholders," said CEO of Five Point Energy David Capobianco in the release. "With very promising results to date, LEEDS is on a pathway to desalinating produced water, at scale, across the Permian Basin, while reducing reliance on freshwater sources."
For more information on how LEEDS is addressing water scarcity, visit the Bechtel website.