Untapped offshore energy potential

Research scientists at NTNU's Department of Thermal Energy and Hydropower believe that the energy inherent in well flow is an untapped resource. The pressure energy in the well ends up as waste heat, while gas turbines provide the power necessary to run the well. These turbines discharge significant amounts of CO₂.

An estimate by NTNU scientists indicates that the energy potential in a well's flow is 30 GWh per year. If a gas turbine were to produce this energy, approximately 12 000 tons of CO₂would be discharged. Mastering the technology to tap the well-flow energy could generate a significant environmental dividend. In addition, the well operator could save several million kroner in fees related to CO₂ discharges.

The estimated energy potential is based on the following:

On average, a well produces 900 m³ of oil per hour. The pressure is 200 bar. The production time of a well is 6000 hours. According to NTNU's calculations, this gives an effect potential of around 5 MW and an energy potential of 30 GWh per year.

This is equivalent to the energy produced by 30 large windmills.

Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug at NTNU says, "It is technically feasible to realize this. We believe the solution lies in using technology that is already available for hydroelectric turbines. We are among the world's elite in that field." NTNU would like to find a partner who is interested in making this technology a reality.

CBC