The concept of using wind power for offshore oil and gas applications has taken a step forward after several oil majors signed up for a joint industry project to explore the technology.
ExxonMobil, ENI Norge, Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd, Statoil, VNG, PG Flow Solutions, and ORE Catapult have agreed to take part in Win Win, the DNV GL-led project.
Initial DNV GL studies showed a standalone wind-powered water-injection system could become cost competitive for various types of applications, particularly for water injection far from the production platform and when costly retrofitting is not an option.
DNV GL launched Win Win to develop the concept.
“We’ve had a fantastic response from the industry and are very pleased that seven important players from both industries have joined the JIP.
“Together, they cover the value chain from wind production and operation, to pump manufacturing, to five oil and gas operators,” says Johan Sandberg, Segment Leader – Floating Wind Turbines at DNV GL and the project sponsor.
“The overall concept needs maturing up to a point where it can be considered a viable option in field development studies,” says Hanne Wigum, manager for Statoil’s renewables research group.
DNV GL said the technical concept is being developed and the technical feasibility assessed in detail.
https://www.dnvgl.com/energy/video/watch/win-win.html
Two of the main challenges being addressed are the off-grid operation of the system and the reservoir’s response to variable injection rates.
“Once the technical hurdles are cleared, the concept’s economic viability will be analysed using relevant and realistic cases provided by the JIP partners. Initial results are promising, and with the operators on board we are able to test the concept on real cases,” Sandberg added.
“In parallel with finalising the initial technical and economic assessment of the concept, we are now thinking about the next steps, both looking for other relevant applications of the system and making sure the Win Win concept moves from the drawing board to a prototype and actual realisation in a project,” he adds.
Cian Conroy, Offshore Wind Sector Lead for ORE Catapult, in Northumberland said: “Recent advancements and trialling of offshore floating wind prototypes, backed by strong research, suggest there is scope for cost effective floating wind power sooner than many people may have previously thought.
“This project will help to further accelerate the development and commercialization of floating wind turbines as a viable technology.”
The JIP has been up and running since the beginning of the year and is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2016.