Power generation from offshore wind farms and gas fields could be maximised if the two industries worked more closely together.
This is according to a new report from the UK Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), which highlighted the concept of gas-to-wire (GTW). This means the gas produced offshore is converted to electricity there, rather than being shipped to the mainland, and the energy is then transmitted to shore via a series of cables.
These cables are already in use for wind farms, and therefore making use of that infrastructure would not only save money, but also allow GTW to get off the ground more quickly.
Adopting this approach would also help ensure the UK’s power supply remained flexible enough to deal with peaks in demand, and to counteract any lulls in supply from the wind turbines.
Eric Marson, area manager at the OGA, commented: “GTW has the potential to both help maximise the UK’s remaining gas resources whilst also boosting electricity generation offshore, with associated benefits for both gas producers and wind farm operators.”
MP for Waveney in Suffolk Peter Aldous said that the suggestion of the two industries collaborating more closely should “be welcomed”.
When it comes to the UK’s oil reserves, however, the picture doesn’t appear so rosy. Petroleum Economist recently reported that the chief executive of the OGA Andy Samuel has warned operators that they need to “use it or lose it” when it comes to their licences for exploration in the UK North Sea.
A recent report from the OGA revealed that oil and gas exploration in this area has fallen to historic lows in the past year.
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