Oil and Gas Authority reviewing alternate power solutions for UK offshore production

The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has issued an update on its program to develop environmental initiatives.

Achievements over the past year have included publishing a flaring and venting policy and awarding the first CCS carbon dioxide (CO₂) appraisal and storage licence.

Later this spring the OGA plans to publish a policy position on its role in the UK’s energy transition, and during the fall an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) strategy, covering carbon dioxide EOR.

In addition, a project is under way to develop a more integrated offshore energy sector; including forming closer links in terms of innovation between oil and gas production and the offshore renewables sector.

To help start this programme the OGA has secured a £900,000 (US$1.19 million) grant from the Better Regulation Executive’s Regulators’ Pioneer Fund, which it will use to examine the various energy sources and storage solutions needed for the transition to a low carbon economy in areas including:

• Powering of offshore oil and gas platforms from renewable sources
• Monetisation of offshore produced gas via in situ power generation
• Offshore hydrogen production and transportation, as a clean-energy storage solution
• Carbon dioxide capture, transportation and storage, using legacy oil and gas infrastructure.

Presently the authority is working with the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, The Crown Estate, Ofgem and others to test for potential technical and regulatory opportunities in the short term.

It is also considering ways of maximizing the value of resources on the UK continental shelf via integration, enhancing the value of existing infrastructure and the UK’s skills, technology and supply chains. This programme will conclude in spring 2020.

Source: Offshore Magazine