Daily Archives: April 10, 2024

The German utility company RWE is working with Netherlands-based offshore mooring company FibreMax to develop synthetic mooring systems for floating wind production. The firms will work together on supply chain options and look for ways to reduce costs on ultra-deepwater and local floating offshore wind installations.

FibreMax believes that its products are the strongest cables in the world. According to the company, FibreMax mooring tendons offers much better strength, longer operational life and lower levels of maintenance compared to traditional steel moorings. The mooring systems integrity is key to financial and operational viability of floating offshore wind.

It is important to further develop and grow the supply chain for floating wind, in order to leverage its full potential. Working with forward-thinking and innovative companies like FibreMax helps unlock this potential, said Chris Willow, Head of Floating Wind Development, RWE Offshore Wind.

Three years ago, FibreMax delivered prototypes of what it believes to be the strongest aramid cables in the world. The continuous-wound lines were tested to withstand a load of 1,700 tonnes. They were developed with offshore wind mooring and lifting applications in mind; at 85 percent lighter than an equivalent steel cable, fiber has advantages for tethered floating structures.

FibreFlex has a vision for a unique floating production factory for its cables, which could be towed to each installation site in order to enable localization(local labor employment) without building a shoreside facility.

RWE wants to become a market leader in the emerging floating offshore wind market, which has substantially higher costs and new technical challenges when compared to bottom-fixed wind power. The company aims to have 1 GW of floating wind deployed or under construction by 2030 and at least 4 GW by 2035.

RWE has secured a commercial-scale floating offshore wind lease off the California coast, and is also preparing for floating wind auctions in France, Norway, Spain and the UK.

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RWE Wants to Expand Supply of Fiber Cables for Floating Offshore Wind - The Maritime Executive

The Department of the Interiors Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)hasrevealed the notice of availability of the area identification (Area ID) for the three proposed Gulf of Mexico (GOM) oil and gas lease sales during the 2024-2029 period.

The final programfor 2024-2029 offshore oil and gas leasing in the Gulf of Mexico comes with the lowest number of lease sales in U.S. history, encompassing amaximum of three potential oil and gas lease sales 262, 263, and 264 slated for 2025, 2027, and 2029, respectively.

These three proposed lease sales are said to be the minimum number that would enable the Interior Department to continue to expand its offshore wind leasing program through 2030 in compliance with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The plan entailszero oil and gas lease sales in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Alaskan waters.

Based on the 20242029 National Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing program, the first proposed sale, Lease Sale 262, is tentatively scheduled for 2025. In October 2023, BOEMpublished a call for information and nominationson the GOM area identified in the 20242029 National OCS program.

This call solicited industry nominations for areas of leasing interest, seeking input from the public. Using the received input, BOEM created the Area ID for the proposed 262, 263, and 264 lease sales, which were published in the Federal Register on April 1, 2024.

The Area ID is not a decision to lease and is not a prejudgment by the Department of the Interior on how or whether to proceed with proposed lease sales 262, 263, and 264 under the National OCS program. The Area ID simply determines which areas identified in the call will receive further consideration and analyses, explained BOEM.

According to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the decision to lease needs to be preceded by several steps, including the completion of environmental analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act.

This process also entails consultation under environmental and other statutes; opportunities for federally recognized tribes, governors of affected states, local government leaders, and other interested parties to provide comment; and the issuance of proposed and final sale notices.

This comes after BOEM modified monetary penalties for oil and gas companies, implementing the 2024 inflation adjustments for the maximum daily civil monetary penalties in its regulations.

The U.S. is determined to curb the oil and gas industrys emission footprint, including methane. With this in mind, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recentlyproposed a new rulein line with the Biden-Harris administrations IRA.

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US unveils next steps in its 20242029 Gulf of Mexico oil & gas leasing program - Offshore Energy

Following last months vote in the Senate of Romania, 229 out of 330 members of the Chamber of Deputies were in favor of the offshore wind energy law, passing it to President Klaus Iohannis to sign. Bolstered by European funds, fiscal incentives and legal reforms, the country has lately turned into a solar power investment mecca.

After years of delays, the course is now set for the installation of the first turbines on the Black Sea. As for the onshore wind sector, it is just gaining traction again. Namely, the renewable electricity sector crashed a decade ago as the government couldnt withstand the burden of subsidy payments.

On the other hand, the European wind industry is facing a subsidy race against the United States and China, possibly resulting in trade barriers. There were two lawmakers in the lower house of the Parliament of Romania against the bill and two abstentions. The government adopted it in December.

Authorities are confident the offshore wind law would contribute to efforts toward energy independence and the systems resilience. Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja reiterated his dedication to securing the safety of supply and affordable and green energy for all Romanian citizens.

With the timeline set by the bill, we will be able to have the first megawatt of offshore wind energy produced in the national energy system by the year 2032. In addition, offshore wind energy production will allow us to strengthen the Romanian industry through domestic production of green hydrogen and value-added products based on green ammonia. The World Banks data show Romania has an offshore wind potential of 76 GW installed capacity, providing a favorable environment for the development of this type of renewable energy, Burduja stated.

The new legislation obligates the Ministry of Energy to initiate a study within three months to be able to detail the procedures, zones and potential. It highlighted the restrictions from maritime spatial planning rules as well as biodiversity preservation and environmental protection requirements.

The government is scheduled to approve the report by the end of March of next year, followed by necessary bylaws and royalties within the next three months. After that, the Ministry of Energy is envisaged to initiate a competitive procedure for awarding concession contracts.

Neighboring Bulgaria proposed its own first law late last year to facilitate the construction of wind farms on the Black Sea. However, it prompted opposition from locals and environmentalists, which contributed to the fall of the cabinet. It was replaced yesterday by a caretaker government.

Turkey is setting the stage for projects in the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean, but possibly even on lakes. At the same time, Greece has made the most progress in planning in the region covered by Balkan Green Energy News. The first investments are already under development. It should be noted that a string of giant projects are underway for maritime areas around Italy.

Additionally, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria are cooperating in grid development to enable the integration of renewables including offshore wind power. There is a proposal for an important interconnection under the Black Sea between Romania and Georgia.

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Romania adopts offshore wind energy law to get first megawatts by 2032 - Balkan Green Energy News

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) will consolidate its existing direct and indirect offshore wind holdings into Reventus Power, its UK-based portfolio company, which will become its dedicated global offshore wind platform.

Subject to customary approvals, the move will see Reventus Power growing its teams in the UK, Germany, Poland and Portugal to form a team of approximately 50 offshore wind specialists, according to CPP Investments, whose current exposure to offshore wind is more than CAD 1 billion (approximately EUR 678 million; USD 737 million).

Reventus Power was established in 2021 as an offshore wind centre of excellence and has provided dedicated expertise to CPP Investments global offshore wind projects, including in its entry into the US offshore wind market, CPP Investments says.

Reventus Power is an important pillar of CPP Investments global energy strategy, and its growth will help us expand our portfolio of green and transition assets. CPP Investments will benefit from the enhanced capabilities of Reventus Power to support our ambition to grow our offshore wind portfolio, where we see considerable potential, said Bill Rogers, Managing Director, Global Head of Sustainable Energies, CPP Investments.

CPP Investments holds stakes in several offshore wind projects through consortia and joint ventures, including four offshore wind farms in France: fixed-bottom Saint-Nazaire, Courseulles-sur-Mer, and Fcamp, and the Provence Grand Large floating wind project.

In 2022, Maple Power, a 50:50 joint venture between Enbridge and CPP Investments,teamed up with Mainstream Renewable Power to jointly explore the possibility of bidding in the Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind Tender in the UK.

Last year, in a consortium with Mainstream Renewable Power, AGL, and Direct Infrastructure, Reventus Power submitted a feasibility licence application for a 2.5 GW offshore wind development off the coast of Victoria, Australia.

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Canadian Pension Fund to Consolidate Its Offshore Wind Holdings into UK-Based Reventus Power | Offshore Wind - Offshore WIND

Australian Energy Producers, representing Australias upstream oil and gas exploration and production industry, hascalled for the inclusion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the governments future gas strategy, enabling the country to take advantage of its gas resources and augment them further.

According to Australian Energy Producers, the latest Resources and Energy Quarterly report has spotlighted the importance of Australias gas exports, showing tens of billions of dollars of economic benefits flowing in for Australians.

As a result, the oil and gas industry association underlines that the report shows why the Australian government should not miss the opportunity to continue being among Asia-Pacifics top gas suppliers when it finalizes its Future Gas Strategy.

Samantha McCulloch, Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive, highlighted: Australias oil and gas industry is committed to ensuring that our LNG exports deliver substantial returns to Australia while underpinning our domestic energy security. Our exports help governments build hospitals and schools and fund policies such as cost-of-living relief.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive is convinced that LNG is still delivering substantial benefits, despite resource returns broadly declining after the recent peak of the cycle. In line with this, LNG exports hit a record $92 billion during the last financial year, helping deliver over $16 billion of taxation to governments.

In addition, the industry spent another $45 billion directly with Australian businesses. The latest report has found that LNG exports are forecast to total $72 billion this financial year. As there is a risk that the current pipeline of gas projects may become insufficient, the report noted there may be pressure on production in the future because gas exploration was low for the past five years.

The Future Gas Strategy must recognise the critical roles of Australian gas in the decades to come both domestically and in our region. New gas supply is critical for domestic and international markets where our valued customers rely on our energy and help support thousands of jobs and pay for public services and infrastructure in Australia, added McCulloch.

According to a recent study, Australia will need substantial gas production in 2050 under all net zero scenarios, with as much as 130% of current output needed depending on the rate of renewables roll-out. In its2024-25 pre-budget submission, Australian Energy Producers called for a plan that would enable Australia to avoid looming shortfalls while continuing to boost its efforts to deliver affordable and reliable energy for homes and businesses.

Export returns like these show Australia must secure the opportunity of LNG, with Southeast Asia alone expected to increase LNG demand by a factor of 10 by 2050 under some IEA scenarios. Our exports also have the potential to reduce emissions by up to 166 million tones of carbon dioxide annually by helping importing nations switch away from higher-emitting fuels such as coal, concluded McCulloch.

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Australia urged to ensure its gas strategy features LNG opportunities - Offshore Energy

Siem Offshore do Brasil, a subsidiary of Norways shipping player Siem Offshore, has won a four-year assignment in Brazil with an undisclosed company for one of its oil spill recovery vessels (OSRV).

The new contract award for the OSRV Siem Marataizes is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2024. This vessel has been designed and equipped to fight and contain offshore oil spills to reduce environmental damage.

With an LOA of 56.8 m, a breadth of 14 m, and a draught of 4.8 m, the 2016-built OSRV Siem Marataizes is of Ulstein P801 design and comes with a DWT of 1,300 t.

The boost in charter rates enabled Siem Offshore to secure operating revenues of $336 million for the fiscal year 2023, an increase from $274.3 million in 2022, and $85.2 million for 4Q 2023, compared to $64.3 million during the same period in 2022.

The Norwegian vessel owner recently won more work for several vessels, including a contract extension for the 2009-built diesel-electric driven multipurpose support vessel (MPSV).

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Siem Offshore lines up multi-year gig for 2016-built oil spill response vessel in Brazilian waters - Offshore Energy

Equinor and Polenergia have applied for environmental approval for the connection infrastructure of the Batyk I offshore wind farm as the project is being prepared for auction in Poland in 2025.

The Batyk I offshore wind farm is one of three projects jointly developed by Equinor and Polenergia in the Polish Baltic Sea. Batyk I, Batyk II and Baatyk III will have a combined capacity of up to 3 GW, allowing more than four million Polish households to be supplied with green energy. The 1,560 MW Batyk I is the largest wind farm under construction in the Baltic Sea.

According to the developers, Batyk I is also the most advanced offshore wind farm project in the Baltic Sea, with the project expected to benefit from the best solutions developed in the construction of the earlier projects, Batyk II and Batyk III. This is expected to significantly streamline the investment process.

The Batyk I offshore wind farm will be located about 80 kilometres from the coastline. Electricity from the project will flow via cables ashore to a connection point at the Polish Power Grid Krzemienica substation under construction in the Redzikowo municipality. A land connection infrastructure corridor of up to 20 kilometres will run underground to preserve tourism and scenic values and to minimise impacts on existing land use.

The planned onshore power exit will be implemented partially in the immediate vicinity of the corridor designated for the connection infrastructure of the Batyk II and Batyk III offshore wind farms. One landfall location using trenchless technology is planned for all three wind farms. To date, Batyk I has obtained a permit to lay and maintain cables in the offshore section and a grid connection agreement with the transmission system operator.

A common corridor section for the cable bringing power out of all three Batyk projects will significantly shorten the investment process, make it easier and cheaper, Jerzy Zan, CEO of Polenergia, said.

The construction of the Batyk I wind farm will benefit from the best practices developed in the construction of the earlier projects, Batyk II and Batyk III. This applies not only to the common infrastructure corridor, but also to the supply chain being built, the acquisition and training of future personnel, or the relations with local residents and local administration, which are very important to us. Investment continuity will allow a smooth transition between the two phases of offshore energy development in our country.

The total distance from the connection point and the total planned capacity justifies the use of the first offshore wind farm power derivation using direct current (HVDC) technology. This technology has already been installed at the largest offshore wind farm in the world Dogger Bank in the UK, where the first power was fed into the grid in 2023. Equinor is one of the shareholders in this project and will be the operator in its operational phase. The experience gained from the UK will be transferred to Poland. An application to change the connection conditions for Baltic I to direct current technology has already been submitted to the Polish Power Grid.

We have the highest quality technologies and solutions that we implement in our projects. Batyk II and III will be among the first offshore wind farms in Poland, and they are scheduled to come online in 2027. Batyk I is the most advanced project of the second phase, scheduled for auction in 2025. The green energy that will flow from all three offshore wind farms will provide stable renewable energy for more than 4 million households, said Jerzy Micha Koodziejczyk, Country Manager of Equinor in Poland.

The Batyk II and Batyk III offshore wind farms, due to come online in 2027, will have a capacity of 1440 MW. The projects already have contracted major suppliers of key components. Siemens Gamesa has been appointed as the turbine supplier, SIF Netherlands B.V. as the foundation supplier, and Hitachi Energy as the electrical systems infrastructure supplier.

Equinor and Polenergia also already have secured contracts for the design, manufacture, supply and installation of internal cables and export cables for both projects.

The internal cables will be supplied and installed by Seaway7. In turn, the contract for marine export cables was awarded to an international consortium formed by Jan de Nul and Hellenic Cables. The investment partners also signed an agreement with DNV, which will take care of certification of the offshore parts of the Batyk II and Batyk III wind farms.

This year, construction work will begin on O&M base in eba, which, as a logistics and operations centre, will be responsible for the safe and proper operation of offshore wind farms for 30 years of their operation. The base will employ about 100 people. All three projects are expected to generate up to 10,000 jobs.

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Poland's Largest Offshore Wind Project Readies for 2025 Auction | Offshore Wind - Offshore WIND

Trinidad and Tobagos liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer Atlantic LNG has hand-picked Massy Wood, a joint venture of the UKs engineering and consulting company Wood, to provide project management and engineering services for its liquefaction facility in Point Fortin.

The three-year contract will enable the two players to work together on improving the operational efficiency and reliability of critical gas supply in the region. The contract will be delivered by Massy Woods team in Trinidad, receiving support from Woods LNG experts in Houston, and the companys global decarbonization and new energy teams.

Mala Baliraj, Massy Woods Chief Executive Officer, remarked: We are delighted to grow our relationship with Atlantic, building on the scope of services we already provide to this important natural gas facility.

Massy Wood has been a trusted partner of choice for over 20 years in Trinidad. We are particularly proud of our delivery teams, who recently achieved over 43 million man-hours without a lost time incident, further demonstrating our unwavering commitment to safety and performance excellence.

Following up on the existing construction management services delivered over the last decade and focusing on reducing risk and improving performance at the Atlantic facility, Massy Woods new award is meant to provide complete end-to-end engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions.

This comes after Massy Wood signed a five-year framework agreement with Shell to deliver engineering projects and provide asset support, also in Trinidad, and was chosen by Japans Inpex Corporation to work on its global decarbonization projects. Earlier this year, the firm secured a contract with BP to deliver topside modifications for its production hub in the central North Sea.

Trinidad, which is said to be the second largest LNG exporter in the Americas, has Atlantic LNG as its sole LNG producer, exporting approximately 15 million tonnes per annum. The company started the construction of Train 1 at its Point Fortin facility in 1996, with the first LNG produced in 1999.

Three additional trains have been built since then. A holding company, that owns each of the four trains, comprises different member companies, including the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC), BP, and Shell.

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New assignment for Wood in Trinidad and Tobago - Offshore Energy