Why the UK Continental Shelf can and should play a huge part in the UK’s journey to net zero
This week marked another important milestone for the OGA’s Energy Integration Project, as we published our final report. Last year we revealed the considerable opportunities across the UKCS for the integration of different offshore energy systems (oil and gas, renewables, hydrogen, as well as carbon capture and storage). I’m excited by the findings of our latest report, which helps to quantify their value in support of net zero.
The report shows that a 30% contribution towards the country’s overall net zero target is entirely possible, primarily through carbon capture and storage (CCS), and also CCS plus hydrogen.
When you add in offshore renewables (wind, wave and tidal), it could amount to as much as 60% of the whole UK’s abatement required by 2050.
This demonstrates that the basin is an absolutely critical energy resource for the UK, both today and for a net zero future. We’re working with other regulators, government and industry to ensure this potential is delivered at pace as part of the UK’s green recovery.
In the near term, oil and gas platform electrification is key to cutting sector production emissions. In the longer term, oil and gas capabilities, infrastructure and the supply chain need to be harnessed to support further offshore renewables expansion and to accelerate CCS and hydrogen.
Work is already underway. There are over 30 energy integration projects being developed across the UKCS, with 10 actively being supported by the OGA. These are paving the way for further projects to follow suit, creating sustainable energy systems, built upon decades of oil and gas know-how.
Mentor, Coach, Consultant, Energy Trading
4 年CCS/CCRS is the critical part here, in terms of Net Zero, and needs govt support to get it going. The UK could become a global lead in the area, as the UK service industry has become in many ways, but it needs help getting off the ground. And we've been in this position on this for many years now.....needs a bold government decision. Think job creation in these difficult times... And is there a potentially cheap way to generate electricity beneath the platforms from waves? Or are there HSE issues with putting extra kit there?
Non-Executive Director, Executive Coach and Advisor
4 年Thank you all for the comments. In terms of implementation, the report makes a number of recommended next steps, including: accelerating early projects (which will help stimulate activity in the supply chain and help diversification); further regulatory co-ordination (to help streamline the process and make it easier for companies to navigate); and improving data availability, quality and access (which will benefit everyone, including academia. Our work so far in opening up data freely in our National Data Repository is a case in point). We plan to keep updating findings and actions, as and when, at the page https://www.ogauthority.co.uk/the-move-to-net-zero/energy-integration/
Director, Strathclyde Offshore Energy Transition Programme
4 年One of the best reports issued by Andy Samuel and his team at the OGA with a clear message on offshore energy integration. Looking forward to supporting and participating in the next steps.
Experienced Senior Consultant: Energy Asset Management, Major & Decommissioning Projects: Oil & Gas ● Nuclear ● Petrochemical
4 年Except blue hydrogen is energy inefficient and produces CO2 which needs dealing with which consumes energy and isn’t likely to be competitive with other energy sources. It looks like the oil industry trying to justify its continued existence in the North Sea. We can get gas and oil cheaper by buying from abroad so why do we need this industry which contributes not much to the economy anymore?
Experienced and Versatile Project Manager at OMV
4 年A commercial stimulus is required to convert depleted fields into CCS assets...huge potential in the North Sea, but how can it be lifted? Just imagine the cash required for abandonments and if this cash would be used to convert field to CCS, especially in a fiscal system which is optimised for CCS projects.