Spotlighting electrification and decarbonisation in the North Sea

The Energy Industries Council (EIC), one of the world’s leading energy industry trade associations, and its organising partners successfully concluded NSDC2023, held on the 16 and 17 of May at the Marriott London Grosvenor Square, London, UK.

The conference brought together energy industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities for the North Sea Basin in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon energy landscape. Delegates explored topics from carbon capture to hydrogen, and other technologies and initiatives that are expected to shape the future of the North Sea's clean energy journey.

The supply chain's role was emphasised, highlighting the need for more schedule certainty to enable scaling up. It was stressed that renewables should be seen as an addition to, rather than a replacement for, the oil and gas industry, requiring increased investment in skills development and the supply chain.

Delegates also discussed projects, including the North Sea Transition Authority's recent awarding of 20 carbon storage licenses to 12 different companies; the Viking CCS Project, spearheaded by Harbour Energy; and Aker Carbon Capture, which has a target of securing contracts for 10 million tpy of carbon capture by 2025.

Hydrogen emerged as a key focus area, with companies like Dolphyn Hydrogen showcasing their modularised hydrogen technology, capable of harnessing offshore wind power. Aquaventus presented their ambition for 10 GW of offshore hydrogen electrolysis. One takeaway was the recognition that the power lies with the supply chain, which presents a vast range of opportunities. To harness this potential, it is crucial to address the skills gap, not only in manufacturing and physical jobs but also in engineering.

Throughout the conference, industry leaders stressed the need for cross-border collaboration to facilitate knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices; a comprehensive approach to technology deployment; and increased investment in the supply chain and skills development.

"We are committed to working closely with governments to drive forward the different issues discussed during the North Sea Decarbonisation Conference 2023," said Rebecca Groundwater, EIC’s Head of External Affairs. "We continually work with our members to highlight digitisation and decarbonisation opportunities within this area. This conference gave us the opportunity to have a robust discussion with key players around issues that the EIC engages with daily. By amplifying the insights and expertise of the supply chain throughout the North Sea region, we can effectively advance towards our ambitious net-zero goals."

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World Pipelines’ May 2023 issue

The May 2023 issue of World Pipelines includes a special section on pipeline design and operation in extreme environments. Also featured are technical articles on field joint coatings, pipeline steels, and safety and risk management for pipeline networks.

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