TECH SPOTLIGHT
Simulator Set to Transform North Sea Decommissioning and Energy Transition Projects
An immersive simulation suite that will transform approaches to offshore decommissioning and renewable energy infrastructure projects in the North Sea has been officially launched in the northeast of Scotland.
The simulation suite is located at the National Decommissioning Centre (NDC), a global research and development hub based in Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, which is a partnership between the University of Aberdeen and the Net Zero Technology Centre.
The launch was attended by leading figures from industry and local and national government, while Michael Matheson MSP (Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport) spoke to attendees via video message.
The £1.6 million suite has been funded jointly by the Scottish Government, the UK Government and the Net Zero Technology Centre through the Aberdeen City Region Deal. It can undertake detailed marine technology and operational simulations as well as complex data modelling and visualisation.
These advanced capabilities provide a safe, virtual environment where users can simulate offshore and subsea operations in real time, such as the removal or installation of energy infrastructure, deploying a range of equipment and vessels to see which are best suited to the task and introducing challenging factors such as variable weather and tidal conditions.
The first funded project to utilise the simulator is assessing novel techniques for the installation of anchor systems for offshore floating wind turbines. Working with local company Aubin, the project aims to deliver more cost- effective methods of anchor installation.
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Utilising its powerful data handling and visualisation capabilities, NDC staff are also creating a virtual model of the entire North Sea. This involves mapping all offshore oil and gas and renewable infrastructure and compiling key information such as lifespan, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and power usage. The Scottish Government is supporting a programme of research projects as part of the Net Zero Technology Centre led Data for Net Zero (D4NZ) project, and NDC staff will use this model of the North Sea and its infrastructure to deliver cross-industry benefits for a wide range of stakeholders.
Professor George Boyne, Principal of the University of Aberdeen, commented: “I am delighted to have helped mark the official opening of the simulation suite, and my thanks go to all those involved for their ongoing support.
“Along with our partners in the Net Zero Technology Centre we are committed to establishing the NDC as a as a global leader in research and development, building on this region’s strong track record in innovation in industry and the sciences.
“The arrival of this state-of-the art simulation suite is testament to that ambition, and to our commitment in promoting economic recovery for our region by working in partnership with industry on projects related to decommissioning and the energy transition.”
Myrtle Dawes, Solutions Centre Director at the Net Zero Technology Centre, said: “The simulator is an important addition to the National Decommissioning Centre and will be a valuable resource for industry to establish the viability of future decommissioning and energy transition projects through scenario planning and data science.
“Harnessing data is a key element of our recently launched Net Zero Technology Transition Programme (NZTTP) which aims to transform the North Sea energy system, through the delivery of seven projects including Data for Net Zero (D4NZ). With data science, visualisation and computer modelling at its core, the D4NZ project will utilise the centre’s simulator to power forward a reimagined offshore energy system enabled by data sharing and evidence-based decision-making.”
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