Odfjell inks first deal to explore floating wind-powered oil decarbonisation off Norway
Contractor ties up with offshore oil operator Okea and compatriot utility TrønderEnergi to study use of so-called MOWU concept in reducing emissions from Draugen field
Odjfell Oceanwind, the floating wind technology spin-off of parent offshore oil drilling contractor Odfell, has inked a lead-off deal with operator Okea and utility TrønderEnergi to size up use its innovative mobile offshore wind unit (MOWU) concept to help decarbonise operations at the Draugen field of Norway.
Under a memorandum of understanding, the trio will explore using a MOWU array to provide power to the Draugen platform and employ the oil field infrastructure, including the planned power from shore cable, connect it to the onshore grid.
Part of the MoU, which will encompas early stage technical, economical and regulatory evaluations, will include studying how and array of MOWUs wired in to Odfjells’s WindGrid concept could make it possible to shut down gas turbine generation on offshore oil platforms during peak wind power periods, accounting for 60-70% of yearly CO2.
“We look forward to further exploring this exciting opportunity in close collaboration with Okea and TrønderEnergi. The Draugen wind farm project also fits well with Odfjell Oceanwind`s long term strategy to become a leading global floating wind farm O&M [operations and maintenance] and technology provider”, said CEO Per Lund.