Norwegian duo looking into floating power hubs for offshore platforms with CCS solution

Two Norwegian offshore players – technology company Techouse and electricity provider Ocean-Power – have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the option of developing a floating gas power plant with CO2-capture capabilities to be deployed on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

The partners intend to conduct research on relevant locations on the NCS aimed at testing the viability of building one or several power hubs to be installed in the future. Ocean-Power’s concept using externally sourced natural gas volumes will be used to produce electricity with carbon capture at a fit-for-purpose installation.

“A floating power hub with carbon capture capabilities can be a much more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to supplying offshore oil and gas platforms with electrical power from land. This MoU will look at the viability of developing such a solution with our energy recovery solution at the core,” said Svein Helge Pettersen, CEO of Techouse. 

The electricity provider’s power hub concept encompasses floating units with a 200–250 MW power pack installed. The units supply power for nearby offshore platforms and the grid inshore, using Techouse’s combined cycle power plants to generate electricity. Meanwhile, CO2 is captured from the system’s exhaust and injected directly into a nearby geological formation or a pipeline, or liquefied and transported for usage or permanent storage.

“Our collaboration with Techouse represents an opportunity to deliver a sustainable and highly efficient power solution. By integrating our expertise with Techouse’s energy recovery technology, we aim to demonstrate a floating power hub that not only meets the energy demands of offshore platforms but also substantially reduces their carbon footprint,” said Erling Ronglan, CEO of Ocean-Power.

“With Techouse and our other strategic partners, we’re uniquely positioned to develop a transformative floating power generation hub with CO2 capture and storage. This partnership strengthens our ability to innovate and implement sustainable energy solutions that are essential for the future of offshore energy production.”

Techouse’s part in the project includes supplying energy recovery technology based on combined cycle power plants – described as a heat and power solution where heat from the exhaust of gas turbines is used to generate superheated steam. Next, the steam is used to produce additional power in a steam turbine, generating electricity for the offshore platform.

According to the Norwegian player, the power produced in this manner requires 22–25% less fuel compared to the conventional solution where only gas turbines are used for power and heating purposes on board an offshore platform.

Ocean-Power signed similar MoUs with strategic partners such as Veri Energy, SBM Offshore, CapeOmega, and Miljøstiftelsen Bellona aiming to explore options for developing a floating power generation hub with CCS capabilities. Last month, the firm teamed up with players such as TotalEnergies and Equinor to test the potential environmental benefits of using their solution.