Improving Energy Efficiency in the Management of Drilling Waste from Trenchless Gas and Power Pipeline Construction Through the Implementation of Photovoltaic Panels and Circular Economy Principles

Aleksandra Jamrozik (), Jan Ziaja and Sławomir Wysocki
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Aleksandra Jamrozik: Department of Drilling and Geoengineering, Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Jan Ziaja: Department of Drilling and Geoengineering, Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Sławomir Wysocki: Department of Drilling and Geoengineering, Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-27

Abstract: The modern construction of transmission networks for transporting energy resources (e.g., crude oil, gas, hydrogen) or electricity is increasingly being carried out using trenchless technologies. Trenchless methods significantly reduce the need for extensive earthworks; however, they consequently generate substantial amounts of drilling waste. This waste consists primarily of a mixture of spent drilling fluids and drill cuttings. Due to the volume and composition of the waste, along with the rapidly increasing costs of waste disposal, the trenchless technology industry faces significant economic and environmental challenges related to circular economy principles in waste management. This article presents an analysis of trenchless construction methods for underground transmission networks, with particular emphasis on the quantity and quality of the generated drilling waste. Furthermore, research is conducted to develop a cationic flocculant based on polyvinylamine, designed to eliminate the harmful coagulants in drilling waste treatment technology. Based on the conducted studies, we propose a closed-loop waste management system for trenchless technologies. The implementation of circular economy principles, along with the integration of drilling fluid treatment systems with photovoltaic panels and energy storage units, enhances the energy efficiency of drilling waste treatment processes and aligns with global trends in the adoption of renewable energy sources (RESs).

Keywords: energy balance improvement; renewable energy sources (RESs); photovoltaic cells; circular economy; trenchless technologies; gas and water pipeline construction; power grids; drilling waste management strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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