Special report Power to the platform


As the world continues its path towards net zero, questions remain over the continued use of fossil fuels. Of course, until renewable energy sources are in place that can fully meet global power demands, hydrocarbons will inevitably still need to be used – therefore, finding ways to reduce the carbon footprint of fossil fuel production and consumption is a crucial part of the energy transition. Nicholas Kenny speaks with Simon Wynne, head of ABB Energy Industries UK and Ireland, and Diogo Costa, sales lead, offshore wind at ABB Energy Industries, about the role of offshore wind and hydrogen power in decarbonising oil and gas platforms in the North Sea.


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n the first quarter of 2023, wind power contributed more electricity than gas in the UK for the first time ever, making up almost a third of its total electricity generation at 32.4% (24TWh) – a sizable increase from 26.8% in 2022. For many, wind has long been the most promising renewable energy option, and recent decades have seen significant investment across the UK and Europe – indeed, almost £19bn was invested in offshore wind in the UK alone between 2016–2021, according to RenewableUK.


However, we’re a long way away from being able to rely solely on renewable sources, and even with the rise of wind power, hydrocarbons still make up a significant amount of the UK’s energy mix. Gas contributed 31.7% (23.4TWh) of the UK’s electricity generation in 2023’s first quarter, and coal and oil are in the mix too, to a lesser extent.


Of course, the transition to renewable power is just that – a period of transition. While investment in green energy sources continues to march forward,


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World Wind Technology / www.worldwind-technology.com


orld Wind Technology / www.worldwind-technology.com


Audio und werbung/Shutterstock


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