Decarbonization Strategies for Offshore Platforms: Applying Lessons Learned from Electrification Projects in the North Sea

Abstract This paper outlines decarbonization strategies for offshore platforms, focusing primarily on technologies and concepts aimed at curtailing fossil fuel combustion for drive power and electricity generation. Specific topics discussed include high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) power from shore, integration with offshore wind farms, multi-asset microgrids, centralized power hubs (with the potential for carbon capture and storage), and combined cycle power plants. The paper also discusses how digital transformation can be leveraged to incrementally reduce carbon emissions by enabling the adoption of low- or un-manned operation strategies. The authors’ company has been involved in several North Sea electrification and digitalization projects where these concepts have been successfully applied or are in the early stages of implementation (e.g., Hywind Tampen, Troll West, Yggdrasil, Ivar Aasen, Martin Linge, etc.) By drawing on experience and lessons learned, producers and supporting companies in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and other regions can make more informed decisions regarding their decarbonization strategies.