PC-OCT22-PG44-45.1_Layout 1 05/10/2022 16:00 Page 44


OIL & GAS


A NEW DAWN T


he North Sea is set to become Europe’s largest climate-neutral energy system by 2050 and Siemens Energy is


determined to turn that potential into reality. The region is in pole position to play a globally leading role in the energy transformation. For decades, the North Sea has had a key role in supplying energy to Europe through its oil and gas fields. Now it can help deliver net zero, by modernising existing assets, becoming a test bed for new technology and by enabling a new level of energy connectivity between European countries.


Siemens Energy cannot do it alone. No one company or organisation can. Steve Scrimshaw says the company believes in collaboration between countries, governments, partners, customers, and supply chains to make sure the North Sea energy potential becomes a reality. There is a long journey to decarbonisation ahead, but the United Nation’s recent IPCC reports on climate change highlight the time to act is now.


The North Sea has significant potential and particular geological characteristics that we can exploit in our drive to clean up energy. Shallow waters and raging winds make it one of the best locations for offshore wind, and the geology that kept natural gas in place for millions of years is the perfect place to bury carbon dioxide.


There are, of course, challenges. The windiness of the North Sea means it has some of the harshest weather. Seabed conditions and tides create difficult infrastructure issues meaning energy systems need a robust and sophisticated operation.


However, the potential is enormous. Overcoming these obstacles could see the North Sea become a beacon for change,


44 OCTOBER 2022 | PROCESS & CONTROL IN ENERGY TRANSFORMATION


Steve Scrimshaw, VP at Siemens Energy UK & Ireland, says ambitions to decarbonise the North Sea into a climate neutral energy system by 2050 demand new ways of thinking...


showcasing how to deliver complex energy transition technology in difficult conditions. The energy transformation in the North Sea demands scale and coordination. If an interconnected, low-carbon energy system can be developed in the North Sea, then technically it can be delivered anywhere. If we get it right, it will attract new industries, secure jobs, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help ensure a better world for future generations. It also offers an opportunity for growth and energy security.


Recent events mean decarbonisation is not the only driver. The tumultuous geopolitical situation with the war in Ukraine has left many countries seeking increased energy independence. The North Sea is critical to enabling this independence by reducing reliance on Russian oil and gas. Since the early 2000s offshore wind has grown at an increasing rate. The cost of offshore wind has reduced faster than expected and can now feasibly and affordably become the backbone of clean energy production for the future. Already Siemens Energy has connected about 4000MW of offshore wind to the UK grid. That is enough clean energy to power four million homes, and around 35% of the UK's current offshore wind production. But we need to do a lot more to meet the UK target to deliver up to 50GW of operating offshore


wind capacity by 2030, increasing current capacity by two-thirds. For Europe, to reach climate neutrality by 2050, offshore wind needs to grow from today’s 29GW capacity to well over 300GW.


Green hydrogen, created by wind power, will play a vital role in the long-term energy storage of the future. There is much wind potential in the North Sea, but we also need to be able to store it, transport it, and use hydrogen and its derivatives for things like shipping and aviation.


Building renewable infrastructure and a hydrogen economy takes time. Planning, consent and viable operating models require investment of both time and capital. We need to continue to use some fossil fuels in this interim period, so it is vital we minimise emissions from production. These days, most offshore platforms use fossil fuelled gas turbines to provide power and drive compressors that pump our energy ashore. However, we can make immediate changes today that can reduce emissions significantly.


But we must not stop there. The UK’s North Sea Transition Deal sets a target to reduce 25% of offshore production emissions by 2025 and achieve net zero by 2050.


While the target is and must be net zero, we cannot switch off fossil fuels overnight. The UK today still relies on about 40% natural gas for


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