Decarbonizing Offshore Power Delivery Through Rechargeable Subsea Battery Packs

Abstract As the offshore oil and gas sector pushes into deeper waters and more remote locations, the challenges of efficient and reliable power delivery have become increasingly pronounced. Inefficiencies in energy transmission, losses due to aging infrastructure, and the high costs of maintenance in harsh marine conditions exacerbate operational risks and environmental impacts. A world leader in subsea power systems based in Aberdeen, United Kingdom, has identified an opportunity to utilize its expertise in intelligent energy management and energy storage to make subsea power systems more efficient and reliable by acting as a systems integrator. One of the technologies offered by the business is a subsea-based, rechargeable pressure-encapsulated battery unit, which provides an efficient, reliable and cost-effective power output for use cases across the offshore environment, including powering insulation resistance and environmental monitoring. By minimizing energy losses, significantly reducing maintenance schedules and decreasing reliance on topside infrastructure, these technologies significantly enhance the operational efficiency and reliability of offshore oil and gas projects. Additionally, integrating renewable energy sources and advanced energy storage into subsea systems opens new opportunities for sustainable and cost-effective power solutions by stabilizing intermittent power input sources to deliver power as required operationally. The implementation of these subsea battery solutions represents a paradigm shift in offshore power management, reducing dependency on long-distance umbilical cables and extending the viability of remote offshore assets. The ability to provide localized power on demand improves operational resilience while reducing emissions associated with conventional diesel-powered generators or gas turbines. Furthermore, the inherent modularity of subsea energy storage systems enables scalability, allowing offshore operators to tailor power solutions based on specific project requirements and environmental conditions. This paper will explore the technical, economic, and environmental considerations of decarbonizing offshore power delivery through rechargeable subsea battery packs. It begins with an analysis of the current state of the market, with discussion around the technical aspects of battery design, integration, and operation. The paper will also examine the broader implications of this technology as a new way of delivering reliable power to subsea applications, whilst making operations more efficient, reducing costs and working towards net-zero emissions targets within offshore energy systems. This will be demonstrated through the examination of two case studies of recent deployments of Verlume technology in North America.