Katoni undertook an asset electrification study for a UKCS client involving an assessment of the topsides modifications required to electrify their three UKCS operated assets. These studies have not focused on how the power is provided, but how external power supplied by a third party can be utilised on the asset and the impact on existing safety and control systems, as well as equipment ratings.

Each study looked at two concepts, one of supply to the platform at platform distribution voltage, and and a second concept where the supply arrives at an elevated voltage, either based on regional infrastructure or anticipated voltage required for field electrification.

Each study considered how a move away from conventional generation utilising fuel gas would affect the facility. For example, one asset would require either a gas disposal route or gas export route, either of which would require upgrades to mothballed equipment and new gas treatment systems, or a second asset requires substantial amounts of process heat due to the heavy oil produced.

The following basic framework was used for each study:

1. ·       Determining topsides modifications required to accept incoming power supplies
2. ·       Specification of new distribution and safety equipment
3. ·       Conceptual design of equipment to support the elevated voltage option
4. ·       Electrification of hydrocarbon fuelled equipment
5. ·       Platform optimisation offsetting emissions based on low CAPEX options
6. ·       Full platform electrification to achieve no on platform power generation
7. ·       Process heating design and optimisation
8. ·       Evaluation of current interconnectors system for suitability and potential upgrades
9. ·       Evaluation of total emissions savings for both options evaluated

The outcome of each study demonstrated the scale of modifications and provided an order of magnitude cost for each evaluated option including commentary surrounding complexity, risks and challenges. Katoni have built up a detailed understanding of platform power systems and have extensive experience in supply of innovative solutions to platform electrification.

Key benefits in engaging Katoni:

1. ·       Ability to document and present solutions at the required level for these concept studies
2. ·       Ability to produce order of magnitude costs to further discussion on solutions to the next level
3. ·       Ability to leverage and present vendor information in a solution based form for clients
4. ·       Subject matter experts in power systems design, and the ability to apply this to an emerging field for study.