Published: February 21, 2025 |

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Cummins and Liberty Energy said the industry’s first natural gas variable speed, large displacement engine to power Liberty’s digiPrime hydraulic fracturing platform will be deployed in the first half of 2025. The companies entered into a strategic partnership in June 2024 to jointly develop the revolutionary technology for the completions services market.

Cummins HSK78G natural gas engine was first launched in March 2019 as part of a fixed speed generator set for the power generation market. Designed to provide reliable power, regardless of the natural gas source or the operating environment, the engine reached new levels of efficiency and improved total cost of operation. The recent development effort for Liberty’s digiPrime platform leverages the already successful HSK78G platform and improves the 78 Liter natural gas spark-ignited engine’s response time and load acceptance during operation.

The digiPrime pump, anchored by a 3,000 horsepower Cummins natural gas variable speed engine, is a direct drive solution with outstanding thermal efficiency. This pump configuration translates into reduced fuel costs and is one of the lowest emissions solutions in the completions market. 

Further savings can be found from the maintenance and servicing of the HSK78G variable speed engine. Projected data estimates an increase of four times the engine’s life to overhaul maintenance interval when compared to a standard diesel engine, keeping the units in the field and operating for longer. The simple mechanical drive system utilizing the HSK78G engine can also be serviced by the same mechanical technicians as diesel engines, making adoption of this technology much easier.

“The successful development of the variable speed digiPrime pump reflects our continued commitment to innovation in pump technology that advances efficiency goals while reducing emissions,” commented Ron Gusek, president and named successor to the chief executive officer at Liberty.

“A variable speed, direct drive platform enhances our already industry-leading digiFleet offering by combining high fuel efficiency with the ability to manage transient load and precision rate control, unrivaled in the industry,” added Gusek.

One of the key benefits of the HSK78G base engine that makes it inherently well suited to the well-servicing industry is its adaptability and flexibility. The engine has a high tolerance to fluctuations in the methane content of the fuel and can operate across various gas compositions — offering customers greater flexibility on their fuel source when in the field. Furthermore, it is designed to be compatible and adapt across multiple well-servicing transmissions. This solution, with its front power take-off, will also provide customers with options to support auxiliary power needs on location when operating below peak load.

“We are excited for this new chapter of our relationship with Liberty, as we work together to adapt Cummins technology to enhance their service offerings,” said Jenny Bush, president of Power Systems Business at Cummins.

“In addition to the high efficiency and reduced fuel consumption offered, the HSK78G variable speed engine will be EPA mobile off highway and CSA compliant. This solution, joining the portfolio of emission reduction technologies for industrial markets at Cummins, is a major step in providing products which help our customers reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the reliability, productivity and profitability of their operation,” added Bush.

Cummins a global power solutions leader, is comprised of five business segments: components, engine, distribution, power systems, and accelera by Cummins — supported by their global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its destination zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 75,500 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity.

Liberty Energy is a leading North American energy services firm that offers one of the most innovative suites of completion services and technologies to onshore oil and natural gas exploration and production companies. Liberty was founded in 2011 with a relentless focus on developing and delivering next generation technology for the sustainable development of unconventional energy resources in partnership with its customers. Liberty is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

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