Onshore-to-offshore power: BP embarking on pioneer scheme

摘要

Some 60-70 Norwegian and UK offshorerninstallations in the central and northernrnNorth Seas could be powered from shorernif an ambitious scheme put forward byrnBP is implemented. The scheme, the firstrnphase of which could come onstream in thernwinter of 2003-2004, promises a substantialrnreduction in greenhouse gas emissions fromrnoffshore oil and gas operations in the North Sea,rnas well as economic and other benefits.rnThe plan is simple in outline: replace onboard power generation based on diesel or gas turbines with power generated at onshore stations at a much higher level of energy efficiency. Putting it into practice will not be so straightforward. Not only does its technical and economic feasibility have to be shown, but it will require on the part of oil companies and the authorities a willingness to embrace new ways of thinking and cooperating, not only across different licenses but across the median line which has represented a great divide between the UK and Norwegian sectors.