Author(s)

S. M. S. M. K. Samarakoon & O. T. Gudmestad

Abstract

Existing offshore oil and gas developments on the Norwegian Continental Self (NCS) have been considered as a major source of air pollution, mainly due to the usage of gas driven turbines. The authorities and oil companies have a strong commitment to research and development to find out reasonably practical measures to reduce the emissions. For instance, combined electric and gas power, underground storage of emission, use of CO2 to enhance oil recovery, power from shore etc. are some of the measures considered. It is vital to implement the Best Available Techniques (BAT) guidelines available in the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) (2008/1/EC) directive on the NCS for retaining and extending the license to operate within the oil and gas industry. The guidelines in relation to BAT deal with the determination of the best practices. One of the major challenges for an operator is to satisfy the guidelines while confirming fitness for purposes of different technology applications. This study starts by identifying the sources of air pollution in the Norwegian offshore oil and gas industry and discussing the best available techniques to mitigate emission to air. Moreover, integration of technique qualification into the BAT evaluation is discussed to overcome challenges faced while moving to the arctic climate. An illustrative case study of power supply from shore to offshore shows how to include technique qualification in the project development process in order to develop confidence in the new solution and to satisfy health, safety and environmental (HSE) and financial concerns. Keywords: BAT, technique qualification, pollution, IPPC, offshore, oil and gas, emissions.

Keywords

BAT, technique qualification, pollution, IPPC, offshore, oil and gas, emissions