This year, Lloyd’s Register (LR) conducted a detailed technical study on behalf of the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) into potential options for decarbonising the offshore energy system, looking at how we can move to an integrated energy future. 

The findings of this study underpinned the Energy Integration Project report, published today by the OGA in collaboration with Ofgem, The Crown Estate and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Tristan Chapman, senior vice president of clean energy at LR welcomed the findings of the report:

“The launch of the Energy Integration Project report today is testament to the OGA’s belief in the long-term strategic and economic value of the North Sea, and addresses the fact that oil and gas will continue to play a key part of the UK’s future energy mix, and can be balanced alongside low carbon, alternative energy sources. This transition will mean emissions from hydrocarbon production can be reduced to net zero, while we accelerate the technological developments needed to move to 100% clean energy sources in years to come.

“Our research for the OGA has demonstrated that platform electrification, via offshore wind farms as well as from shore, and gas-to-wire, which sends electricity from gas platforms to shore, instead of natural gas, offer the best opportunities in the near-term.

“However the longer term vision, and where the real potential lies is in the mix of blue hydrogen, green hydrogen, and CCS at scale, allowing for the creation of truly integrated hubs providing continuous energy across borders.

“The pressure is on and the targets are clear. This is the defining moment of our time; the climate change crisis and society's attitude to energy is changing and we must act now. The focus must be on technology, people and collaboration. Experience and expertise already exists in all three in the oil and gas sector, and as part of the transition we must focus on how we translate this capability into the wider offshore energy sector to tackle these challenges head on.”

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Lloyd’s Register