Scotland eyes wind as tool for decarbonising E&P
The Scottish government is consulting on the use of offshore wind energy to decarbonise its offshore oil and gas industry, acknowledging the need for "secure, reliable and affordable energy supplies." Power generation accounts for about two thirds of the upstream's carbon emissions.
The government said the "continued growth of the renewable energy sector in Scotland is an essential feature of the future clean energy system and a potential key driver of economic growth." The consultation closes October 20 and is separate from the Scotwind floating wind farm leasing round, now under way.
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"The development of a new Sectoral Marine Plan for offshore wind energy, specifically for smaller innovation projects and projects targeting the electrification of oil and gas infrastructure, in Scottish waters, is a key component of our progress to decarbonisation and a transition to net zero," it said.
Scotland's Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing round will allow developers to apply for the rights to build wind farms specifically for powering oil and gas installations and help to decarbonise the sector. It also provides an opportunity for projects of 100 MW or less to produce hydrogen by electrolysis.
The August 25 consultation document, which may be read here, says: "Electrification of brownfield and greenfield oil and gas sites is crucial for the sector's overall emission reduction and conversion to green energy is required in this decade to make these conversions meaningful. The vast majority of oil and gas infrastructure in Scottish waters is in deeper water where floating offshore wind technology will be crucial in this electrification and decarbonisation process."
The first stage of the consultation will see Marine Scotland finalise the Initial Plan Framework (IPF) for development and then Crown Estate Scotland will open the process for a competitive leasing round based on the parameters set by the IPF. Following that, Crown Estate Scotland will award exclusivity agreements to successful projects. These projects will then be assessed by Marine Scotland through its sectoral planning process.