This study presents a hybrid energy management model designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of drilling rig operations. The proposed system integrates wind turbines, diesel generators, and advanced battery storage, while also incorporating regenerative braking from drawworks to capture and recycle otherwise wasted energy. The objective is to reduce the reliance on diesel fuel, lower operating costs, and minimize the environmental footprint of drilling activities.

The model evaluates combined energy demands for both generator output and battery charging, enabling optimized power flow and improved energy utilization. Simulation and performance analysis, conducted using a MATLAB/Simulink-based model of a drilling rig power supply, demonstrate that the hybrid system can reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% compared with conventional diesel-only operations. Over the course of one year, analysis further indicates that the system achieves substantial cost savings, with a payback period of approximately 16 months.

The integration of a microgrid approach with optimized battery sizing and regenerative braking highlights significant advantages in life cycle economics. Compared to a baseline diesel configuration, the proposed system demonstrates a life cycle cost reduction of several million dollars, while maintaining the energy reliability required for continuous drilling operations. Beyond the economic benefits, the system contributes to global sustainability goals by reducing emissions and improving overall energy efficiency in both onshore and offshore contexts.

Overall, this research emphasizes the potential of hybrid and regenerative energy solutions to reshape drilling rig power systems. By combining renewable energy, advanced storage, and innovative energy recovery techniques, the model provides a practical pathway toward more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible drilling operations.