Neptune Energy has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ørsted and Goal7 to look into powering new integrated energy hubs in the UK North Sea with offshore wind-generated electricity.
The MoU will see the companies examine the potential to supply renewable electricity from Ørsted’s Hornsea offshore windfarm projects to power future Neptune-operated hubs in the UK North Sea. Goal7 will provide project management support and technical input.
Integrated energy hubs have the potential to combine multiple energy systems, including existing oil and gas production assets, carbon storage and hydrogen production facilities, which could extend the life of producing fields and support the economic case for electrification with renewable energy, to keep carbon emissions low, according to the company.
“Neptune has submitted three applications under the recent Carbon Dioxide Appraisal and Storage Licensing Round, and securing the licences would enable us to develop future proposals for integrated energy hubs in the UK North Sea,” Neptune Energy’s Director of New Energy, Pierre Girard, said in press statement.
The agreement with Ørsted and Goal7 will support research into the potential use of wind-generated renewable electricity to power these hubs, which could comprise new and repurposed offshore assets and bring together hydrogen production and carbon injection facilities, according to Girard.
Commenting on the MoU, Duncan Clark, Ørsted’s Managing Director Offshore and Country Chair UK&I, said: “We must continue taking action to limit the damaging effects of climate change. Supporting the decarbonisation of other industrial sectors and providing renewable energy to enable more sustainable carbon storage is an important consideration as the UK transitions towards a low-carbon economy.”
“As we build out the largest offshore wind zone in the world with our Hornsea projects and demand for electricity continues to increase, optimising production of these huge offshore assets will bring even greater value to consumers and support the UK’s efforts to meet its 2050 net zero commitments,” Clark said.
The North Sea Transition Authority is due to award storage licences early in 2023.
