Ali Gholami
Principal Engineering Specialist (PhD)
National Iranian Drilling Company
Dr. Ali Gholami
Head of Electronics & Instrumentation Maintenance, National Iranian Drilling Company (NIDC)
Dr. Ali Gholami holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering, with research focused on hybrid energy systems for drilling rigs. His work explores renewable energy integration, energy recovery, and battery storage for potential field applications, primarily through analytical and simulation-based studies that offer practical frameworks for sustainable energy use in remote drilling operations.
He has over two decades of experience in electronics and instrumentation maintenance within the oil and gas sector. His expertise includes upkeep, troubleshooting, and improving the reliability of electrical, electronic, and instrumentation systems critical to drilling operations. He has contributed to enhancing operational reliability through maintenance planning, instrument calibration, control system inspections, and equipment refurbishment.
Dr. Gholami has participated in both domestic and international projects, including a three-year collaboration in Libya with multinational teams, which strengthened his technical coordination and cross-cultural teamwork. He has also designed and delivered specialized technical training programs and authored manuals to support knowledge transfer and skills development across the industry.
By combining hands-on operational experience, academic research, and applied technical expertise, he develops evidence-based solutions that improve equipment reliability, optimize maintenance practices, and support safe and sustainable drilling operations.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Technologies
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.
