Groundbreaking OGTC Energy Project Could ‘Transform’ Ocean Operations

Ross Kelly

12 August 2019, 11.21am

The PB3 PowerBuoy harvests the energy from waves and constantly recharges itself – acting as an uninterruptable power supply.

The Oil & Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) is celebrating a “major milestone” in a groundbreaking integrated energy project that could transform offshore power generation.

The project, supported by the Centre and Premier Oil, saw wave energy technology company Ocean Power Technologies unveil the ‘PB3 PowerBuoy’ in Montrose this month ahead of live demonstrations in the North Sea.

Described as a first-of-its-kind technology, the moored buoy captures power from the motion of ocean waves – which enables it to provide monitoring capabilities and protect subsea architecture.

Operating in ocean depths from 20 metres, the buoy harvests the energy from waves and constantly recharges itself – acting as an uninterruptable power supply. Powering on-board sensors, the buoy will help enable real-time data transfer and communication with remote facilities.

Its ability to store energy also allows the buoy to operate during periods of calm seas.

Graeme Rogerson, project manager at the OGTC, commented: “This is an exciting time both in the development of the project and for the OGTC. It’s the first time we’ve seen a deployment like this both in the North Sea and for the OGTC.

“This transformational approach to offshore power generation has huge potential in decarbonising our industry and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. We look forward to working together with project partners to support the field trial and subsequent results.”

As part of the PB3’s flagship field trial, the buoy will be deployed on Premier’s Huntington field to support the organisation’s decommissioning work.

Long-term, however, it is hoped that the technology will help boost decarbonisation efforts and deliver alternative value-adding opportunities when combined with different payload configurations – such as to support small field development or as a charging and communications hub for autonomous underwater vehicles.

Paul Williams, UK business unit manager at Premier, said: “We are excited to be trialling the OPT PB3 Powerbuoy at our operated Huntington field. This is a great opportunity to prove new technology which will enable us to minimise the environmental impact of our decommissioning programmes, whilst maintaining flexibility to deliver maximum economic recovery from our fields.

“Assuming success, we will look at the potential to deploy this technology on other assets and for different purposed, both in the UK and further afield.”