Statoil and ABB have struck a deal to develope a subsea power grid for long distances and deep waters that could save hundreds of millions of pounds for future costs.
The cost-sharing scheme will see ABB developing technology for power transmission, distribution and conversion systems that will work at depths of up to 3,000m.
The five-year joint industrial project (JIP) is expected to cost up to $100million, and comes after a joint study by the companies into subsea electrification carried out last year.
“The JIP will develop technologies needed to provide electrical power to subsea pumps, electrical submersible pumps and subsea gas compressors for projects on the Norwegian continental shelf, in the Gulf of Mexico and other places around the world,” said Karl Johnny Hersvik, Statoil senior vice president for research, development and innovation.
Providing cost-effective and reliable power in difficult conditions is a key part of Statoil’s plans for a subsea factory, particularly for fields in remote areas – such as in Arctic waters.
