Orcadian Energy plc said it had submitted its final report into Central North Sea electrification to the area’s operators and the North Sea Transition Authority.
FLOATING WIND TURBINES & HUBS
The company’s ‘microgrid concept’ aims to reduce carbon emissions to ensure that the oil and gas are as sustainable as possible.
“Orcadian and its consortium partners have designed what they believe is a viable, reliable, off-grid option for powering North Sea platforms,” said Orcadian in a statement.
“The approach is founded on power from floating wind turbines, supported by energy efficient and highly responsive gas-powered generators with enough battery power to maintain a reliable supply.
“Floating distribution hubs will be used to collect the power from the wind turbines and distribute power to the operators’ platforms through a network of cables.”
Orcadian added that the microgrid could be more effective, cost “substantially less” than cable from shore solutions, and potentially deliver an earlier and deeper cut to emissions.
“Future operating costs can be substantially reduced with this solution, which could enable mature fields to keep producing longer and facilitate development of satellite discoveries with minimised emissions.
“All of these outcomes would enhance the UK’s energy security and would ensure that emissions from North Sea oil and gas production remain world leading.”
The company added that the microgrid’s benefits would see a reduction of emissions by 80%, save some $2 billion and meet energy transition commitments.
EXPERTISE
“Our concept could not only help further ensure the energy security of the United Kingdom but could also ensure that North Sea production will become amongst the lowest for carbon emissions globally, returning the North Sea to its accustomed role as a trailblazer for the industry,” said chief executive Steve Brown.
“The consortium that we have put together has the expertise to work with the operators and NSTA to deliver our concept.
“We believe the implementation of this concept across the North Sea would have significant benefits for the operators, the oil and gas industry and the United Kingdom.”