IOG plc said it would be supporting university research into carbon capture and storage (CCS) and other renewable opportunities across its gas assets at Bacton in the Southern North Sea (SNS).
The company, which on 27 April changed its name from Independent Oil & Gas, has signed a collaboration agreement with GeoNetZero CDT at Heriot-Watt University’s Centre for Doctoral Training.
The work will focus on quads 48, 49, 52 and 53 which comprise IOG’s asset portfolio and broader Bacton catchment area.
The company said that a successful blue hydrogen-CCS cluster in the Bacton area would require consistent gas supply as well as steam reformation facilities and secure offshore carbon storage sites, all in reasonable proximity.
“This important latter storage element is the focus of this research, filling the gap in the geological analysis of the factors that maintain seal integrity at subsurface sites.
“Drawing on an extensive gas industry archive of seismic, well and core data, the key focus will be on proving which fields and aquifers across the Bacton catchment area are the most suitable carbon sinks, particularly where existing infrastructure could provide operational synergies.”
Chief executive Andrew Hockey added that Bacton benefited from substantial remaining gas resources, extensive transportation and processing infrastructure as well as proximity to major markets.
“In that context, rigorous technical analysis of nearby CCS potential is a key element in validating the investment thesis for blue hydrogen.
“This will inform the roadmap towards a decarbonised energy hub at Bacton that could bring new economic opportunities and extend the life of existing infrastructure.”