Illuminating the future: a shift to solar in offshore energy – HazardEx
14 May 2024
In the world of energy production, power is not just a component; it’s the cornerstone that propels every facet of the industry forward. From the depths of drilling and extraction to the complexities of processing and distribution, it is the uninterrupted flow of power that ensures operations run smoothly and efficiently. A disruption in this flow doesn’t merely pause operations; it halts the entire lifecycle of energy production and its revenue streams.
Image: JCE Energy
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As part of a recent bespoke power system project, JCE Energy worked with a client to provide a solar and battery power system designed for powering an unmanned wellhead platform offshore Angola. The project marks a significant stride towards reducing the environmental footprint of energy operations for the client while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Angolan President João Lourenço, pledged to increase Angola’s renewable energy capacity to 70 percent of the country’s energy matrix by 2025. Under its revised National Determined Contribution (NDC), Angola brought forward its target year for cutting emissions from 2030 in its first NDC to 2025, with the country aiming to reduce emissions up to 14 percent compared to business-as-usual, with a further 10 percent conditional on support. Investors operating in Angola are working together with the government to facilitate carbon offsets, showing commitment for identifying lower carbon opportunities, projects that lower GHG or are carbon-resilient.
Harnessing the latest in solar technology, the client has embarked on a mission to revolutionise the South N’dola wellhead platform with a solar power system tailored to withstand the rigorous conditions of offshore environments. The challenge was to design, manufacture and supply a of Class I Division 2 (CID2) Hazardous Area Solar Power System into a pre-existing platform with properties robust enough for maritime conditions where space is limited and exposure to saltwater corrosion and variable weather is a constant challenge. The modular design of the solar system ensures it can be expanded to accommodate future energy demands without the need for a comprehensive overhaul or causing disruptions to ongoing operations. Advanced energy storage solutions complement this setup, ensuring a stable power supply during periods of diminished sunlight. Furthermore, the adoption of secure Bluetooth technology facilitates wireless monitoring and reporting, significantly enhancing operational safety by minimising the need for personnel to directly engage with Ex equipment in potentially hazardous areas and completely avoiding unnecessary shutdowns and maintaining workflow continuity.
By transitioning to a renewable energy source, this initiative not only aims to diminish CO2 emissions but also to substantially reduce operational costs over the platform’s projected lifespan.
Image: JCE Energy
A Challenge of Space and Sustainability
Integrating a solar energy system into a platform which design did not account for solar battery frames posed significant engineering challenges. The South N’dola project, a first of its kind for the client, required a bespoke, frame-based, modular Class I Division 2 (CID2) Hazardous Area Solar Power System capable of withstanding the harsh conditions offshore environment. This venture necessitated a design that not only complied with space constraints but also incorporated secure Bluetooth connectivity.
Engineering Solutions with Tangible Impact
The project’s approach focused on minimising carbon emissions, maximising cost efficiencies, and facilitating a smooth transition to renewable energy for the client. The replacement of traditional diesel generators with more than 100 solar panels led to a remarkable outcome: a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional generator systems. This significant decrease in emissions underscores the project’s role in enhancing the environmental sustainability of offshore operations. Additionally, the shift to a remotely operated system helps improve safety by significantly reducing personnel exposure to risks.
Martin Craig, JCE Energy
Economic and Environmental Synergies
The financial implications of this transition are noteworthy. Although the initial capital investment is slightly higher than that of conventional diesel generators, the operational savings tell a different story. Over the course of the platform’s 30-year lifespan, the project is poised to save approximately £1,300,000. This, combined with a dramatic decrease in maintenance requirements – from 552 to 114 man-hours annually – illustrates the operational efficiencies and cost savings achievable through innovative energy solutions.
The project’s foundational design principles of scalability and adaptability ensure that future expansions can be easily accommodated without additional environmental impact. This proactive approach not only meets current operational demands but also sets a new standard for the industry’s shift towards renewable energy sources.
About the author:
Martin Craig, the Managing Director of JCE Energy, boasts over 30 years at JCE Group, where his electrical engineering acumen and expertise in explosion-proof technology have marked him as a leader in the hazardous area market. Throughout his career, Martin has consistently driven the company toward excellence, ensuring the timely, budget-conscious manufacture and supply of critical industry equipment. His profound knowledge significantly contributes to developing safer, more efficient energy solutions.
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