Wave energy specialists Mocean Energy and offshore energy enabler Aker Solutions Subsea’s joint-industry plan could help tap new reserves from well-used oil and gas infrastructure.
The companies have committed to explore how locally generated wave energy can extend the lifetime of existing oil and gas hubs by accessing stranded reserves.
Using wave energy and subsea energy storage to tie back stranded reserves could extend the life of existing subsea production assets, reducing the need for new oilfield developments.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by both, pledging to combine their expertise in wave energy conversion and subsea integrated solutions to develop a reliable, cost-effective means of powering subsea infrastructure.
The MoU includes undertaking feasibility, front-end engineering and design and concept studies for wave-powered tiebacks. These studies will aim to identify the most economically and environmentally efficient solutions to exploit marginal reserves, especially in combination with energy storage.
The partners will target the development of at least one concept study into a pilot project at sea, through various routes, including multi-customer joint industry projects.
Aker Solutions will supply the complete ocean-power system — including overall subsea system integration, system engineering support and subsea equipment plans.
Mocean Energy will supply the wave energy technology, wave-energy specific project engineering and energy analysis for remote power delivery.
Morten Pedersen, SVP Systems and Products, Aker Solutions, said, “Today there are remote, marginal pockets within aging fields that could potentially be powered with this technology at a lower lifetime cost than installing new umbilical cables. If our pilot project proves feasible, this solution will benefit mature regions such as UKCS and NCS [the UK and Norwegian continental shelves], enabling operators to maximize economic extraction from declining brownfields and reduce the need for new oil and gas development, a vital step in the transition to net zero.”
Cameron McNatt, Managing Director of Mocean Energy said, “We are delighted to be working with Aker Solutions, a recognized industry leader in subsea technology and decarbonization. Our collaboration will provide customers with a complete solution to their power and communications needs that is reliable and low carbon.”
