AERA ADDING SOLAR TO OIL EXTRACTION

Aera Energy is building the largest solar-steam project in California to make oil extraction more environmentally friendly.

The 750 acre Belridge Solar project near Buttonwillow will convert recycled oilfield water into steam, then shoot it back into the ground, but Aera President Christina Sistrunk says they will still use natural gas as a backup when the solar panels do not generate enough energy.

Sistrunk estimates the Belridge project will cut carbon emissions by 376,000 tons and says they will have to buy fewer Cap and Trade credits as a result.

Kelli Pierce