Energy / Oil companies keen to cut emissions but are non-committal on energy hub
TWO oil companies have reiterated their desire to significantly reduce their emissions following progress on plans for a Shetland energy hub which could see renewables used to create power for use both onshore and offshore.
One strand is the concept of powering offshore oil platforms by renewable energy via Shetland, while hydrogen production is also on the agenda.
A spokesperson for Sullom Voe Terminal operator EnQuest said in response to the energy hub plans that it is “committed to contributing positively towards achieving the UK’s net zero target by 2050 and is assessing a number of potential options in this regard”.
The company has already confirmed it wants to cut emissions at the terminal by 80 per cent.
EnQuest wants to cut Sullom Voe Terminal emissions by 80 per cent
It is intending to achieve this in part by reducing the size of its on-site gas power station.
EnQuest also said it would look to use imported wind power.
Meanwhile oil giant BP, which operates fields to the west of Shetland, said: “As a company we are on a path towards net zero and in the North Sea we are already in action delivering sustainable emissions reductions from our operations.
“We will continue to work with our industry colleagues and other stakeholders to help the region realise its wider net zero ambitions.”
BP previously confirmed it has been exploring the potential for powering oil platforms by linking a cable to Shetland.
An overriding theme of the Shetland Energy Hub project is enabling the move towards low carbon solutions and renewable energy.
One “ultimate aim” of the project is to “ensure Shetland is self-sufficient in clean energy”.
It is not just about onshore wind power, however, with offshore wind, tide and wave energy all in the mix.
It is being led by Shetland Islands Council and the Aberdeen-based Oil and Gas Technology Centre.
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