The Norwegian offshore technology company Techouse and Ocean-Power have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly study the potential development of a floating gas power plant with CO2-capture capabilities for use on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).
“A floating power hub with carbon capture capabilities can be a much more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to supplying offshore oil and gas platforms with electrical power from land. This MoU will look at the viability of developing such a solution with our energy recovery solution at the core,” says Svein Helge Pettersen, CEO of Techouse.
Ocean-Power’s power hub concept is based on floating units with 200 – 250 MW power pack installed. Power is supplied to nearby offshore platforms and to the grid inshore. The electricity production is based on Techouse’s combined cycle power plants, while CO2 is captured from the system’s exhaust and injected directly into a nearby geological formation, into a pipeline or liquefied and transported by vessel for usage or permanent storage
NCS Power Hubs
The purpose of the collaboration is to first conduct study work on relevant locations on the Norwegian continental shelf. The end-target is to get a contract to build one or several power hubs for installation on the NCS.
As part of the MoU, Ocean-Power has developed, will build, own and operate a concept using externally sourced natural gas volumes to produce electricity with carbon capture at a fit-for-purpose installation.
“Our collaboration with Techouse represents an opportunity to deliver a sustainable and highly efficient power solution. By integrating our expertise with Techouse’s energy recovery technology, we aim to demonstrate a floating power hub that not only meets the energy demands of offshore platforms but also substantially reduces their carbon footprint,” says Erling Ronglan, CEO of Ocean-Power AS.
Techouse’s contribution to the partnership is its competence and technology within energy recovery based on combined cycle power plants. The combined cycle is a heat and power solution where heat from the exhaust of gas turbines is used to generate superheated steam. The steam is then used to produce additional power in a steam turbine, generating electricity for the offshore platform. The result is that the required power is produced with 22-25 percent less fuel consumption compared to the conventional solution where only gas turbines are used for power and heating purposes on board an offshore installation.
“Carbon capture and storage solutions require energy. Our energy recovery technology is therefore a perfect match for CCS,” adds Svein Helge Pettersen.
Partners Onboard
Ocean-Power has previously entered into similar MoUs with several strategic partners with the common intention of contributing towards developing a floating power generation hub with CO2 capture and storage capabilities.
“With Techouse and our other strategic partners, we’re uniquely positioned to develop a transformative floating power generation hub with CO2 capture and storage. This partnership strengthens our ability to innovate and implement sustainable energy solutions that are essential for the future of offshore energy production,” concludes Erling Ronglan.
Techouse designs, engineers and manufacturers heat recovery solutions for offshore applications and complete customized water treatment packages for current and new energy markets. The company is headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, and has additional offices in Norway, China, Scotland and Vietnam.
