SLB OneSubsea and C-Power Join Forces to Harness Ocean Energy: A New Era of Sustainable Subsea Operations
SLB SLB, an American oilfield services company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with C-Power and Subsea7 S.A. SUBCY to explore innovative ocean energy solutions. This collaboration, spearheaded by SLB OneSubsea, a joint venture between SLB, Aker Solutions, and Subsea7, aims to develop a low-cost, low-carbon power source for subsea operations, marking a significant stride towards sustainable energy development in the oil and gas industry.
Key Takeaways
- SLB OneSubsea and C-Power have partnered to develop and deploy a SeaRAY autonomous offshore power system (AOPS), seeking to revolutionize subsea operations with a renewable energy source.
- The partnership will leverage digitalization, electrification, and fiber optic sensors to integrate wave energy into subsea operations, a novel approach to minimizing the environmental footprint of offshore activities.
- The 18-month field test of the SeaRAY AOPS at the PacWave South wave energy site off the coast of Newport, Oregon, will assess the long-term reliability of the technology in challenging oceanic conditions.
- The project has received support from the U.S. Department of Energy, demonstrating the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies.
- The partnership seeks to establish more environmentally friendly methods for powering and supporting underwater equipment such as autonomous underwater vehicles, robotics, and operational equipment.
SLB OneSubsea’s Integrated Solution and the SeaRAY AOPS
SLB OneSubsea will provide an integrated subsea system, encompassing electric actuation and wireless telemetry, to facilitate the field testing of C-Power’s SeaRAY AOPS. This integrated approach ensures seamless communication and control of the system, further enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the project.
Reenst Lesemann, CEO of C-Power, highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership: "We are excited to be collaborating with Subsea Integration Alliance partners SLB OneSubsea and Subsea7, leaders in subsea products and services who share C-Power’s vision of reducing the cost, complexity and carbon intensity of offshore operations through remote power generation and data communications.”
Field Testing and Potential Applications of SeaRAY AOPS
The upcoming field test at the PacWave South wave energy site will serve as a crucial step in validating the SeaRAY AOPS’ ability to operate reliably and effectively under challenging ocean conditions. The system is designed to provide power and support for a range of subsea equipment, including:
- Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for data collection and exploration.
- Robotics for maintenance and inspection tasks.
- Operational equipment for various subsea activities.
- Satellite communications for real-time data transmission and monitoring.
SLB OneSubsea’s Commitment to Sustainable Energy
Mads Hjelmeland, CEO of SLB OneSubsea, emphasizes the vital role of collaborative innovation in advancing sustainable energy development: "We believe collaboration and innovation are key to significant improvements in cost and carbon efficiency, paving the way for a sustainable energy future." This statement underscores SLB OneSubsea’s commitment to actively contributing to a cleaner energy future.
The Future of Ocean Energy and Its Impact on Subsea Operations
The partnership between SLB OneSubsea, C-Power, and Subsea7 represents a crucial step in transitioning towards a more sustainable future for subsea operations by leveraging the vast potential of ocean energy. The successful implementation of the SeaRAY AOPS could potentially revolutionize how these operations are conducted, reducing their environmental impact while simultaneously enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The growing interest in ocean energy solutions, as exemplified by C-Power’s recent partnership with Green Marine in Scotland, highlights the increasing recognition of this technology’s potential for broader offshore applications. This signifies a shift in the industry towards embracing renewable energy sources, further cementing the significance of this partnership.
By combining their respective strengths and expertise, SLB, Subsea7, and C-Power aim to accelerate the adoption of ocean energy solutions globally, paving the way for a future where subsea operations are conducted sustainably, responsibly, and with minimal environmental impact.
