On many North American land rigs, hydraulic power still arrives on the back of a diesel truck. That engine may idle for twelve or more hours a day, burning fuel, vibrating the rig floor, and demanding regular maintenance. Electric hydraulic power units (eHPUs) offer a cleaner, quieter, and more reliable alternative. By tying into the rig’s existing electrical grid, an eHPU removes a diesel engine, a truck, and a long list of hidden costs.

For ProTorque crews, the appeal is simple: stable pressure for make‑up and break‑out, less noise on the floor, and fewer interruptions to the shift. This aligns with our focus on safety culture, maintenance discipline, and equipment reinvestment that reduces exposure and unplanned downtime.

Why operators and TRS supervisors are making the switch

Lower fuel spend
A diesel HPU typically consumes 18–25 litres per operating hour. Replacing that engine with an eHPU can cut annual fuel use by up to 90%, depending on generator efficiency and duty cycle.

Fewer maintenance delays
Diesel engines carry filters, belts, injectors, and turbos. An eHPU relies on an electric motor and a variable‑frequency drive, both of which run for thousands of hours with routine inspections only.

Quieter, safer rig floors
Removing a high‑idle engine typically drops floor noise by 8–10 dB. Crews communicate more easily, and reduced exhaust heat lowers hot‑work exposure near the power pack.

ESG that helps operations
Every barrel of diesel avoided lowers Scope 1 emissions. Quieter decks and fewer refuels reduce exposure for everyone on site.

Where eHPUs help TRS specifically

• More consistent make‑up: Smooth power delivery reduces pressure spikes that trip protections on tongs and CRTs and slow the connection.
  
  
• Cleaner data: Digital telemetry from the eHPU can support computer‑analyzed torque monitoring so run reports match what happened on the floor.
  
  
• Less floor congestion: Removing a truck‑mounted HPU frees cellar or pipe‑rack real estate, easing moves on crowded multi‑well pads.
  
  

Typical deployment snapshot

*Power drawn from rig generators, expressed as diesel equivalent.

Key design elements that matter on location

Plug‑and‑play skid footprint
The eHPU drops into the same space the diesel unit occupied. No structural rework; bolt to existing sub‑base mounts.

Variable‑frequency drive (VFD)
The motor sees only the load required. Pressure rises quickly during make‑up and backs off at idle, avoiding energy waste.

Digital telemetry
Built‑in sensors stream flow, pressure, and temperature to the driller’s console and to remote dashboards for proactive maintenance and cleaner post‑run reporting.

Temperature control
Integrated heaters and coolers keep hydraulic oil in the ideal viscosity window from
−40 to +50 °C.

Choosing the right projects for an eHPU

• High diesel costs or long fuel hauls: Fewer deliveries, lower spill risk, immediate savings.
  
  
• Strict sound or emissions limits: Many leases cap noise or mandate lower GHG output; an eHPU checks both boxes.
  
  
• Remote pads with limited maintenance access: Less mechanical complexity, fewer unplanned shutdowns.
  
  
• Pad drilling with tight space constraints: Removing a truck frees space and simplifies rig moves.
  
  
• Sites with stringent spill‑prevention plans: Eliminating a diesel engine and saddle tanks reduces on‑site hydrocarbon inventory.
  
  

Implementation best practices

1) Load study first
Audit generator capacity. Most modern rigs have reserve power once mud pumps are idle.

2) Phased rollout
Retrofit one or two rigs, capture fuel and maintenance data for six months, then expand.

3) Crew orientation
Even with “plug and pump” simplicity, walk electricians and mechanics through start‑up, VFD settings, and shut‑down before the first run.

4) Data tracking from day one
Record diesel savings, noise readings, pressure stability, and maintenance hours. Clear numbers de‑risk the capital decision.

5) Safety integration
Fold the eHPU into toolbox talks and pre‑task plans. This reinforces the safety culture and maintenance standards the team is emphasizing for 2026.

Beyond compliance: tangible operational gains

An eHPU is more than an environmental upgrade. Crews notice the quieter workspace on day one. Maintenance staff appreciate fewer filter changes and no diesel spill paperwork. Supervisors see fewer interruptions and cleaner reports. These wins add up quickly when multiplied across a fleet.

Looking ahead

Electric HPUs are already standard on several high‑spec walking rigs. As more operators adopt low‑emission technologies, the diesel HPU is likely to become a legacy item. Whether your goal is to hit corporate targets or to remove one more truck from the lease road, an eHPU delivers measurable value from the first shift.

Interested in seeing how an eHPU fits your program?
ProTorque can provide a field‑ready assessment, projected fuel and emission savings, and a deployment plan that aligns with your drilling calendar. Contact us today.