Data-driven approach to emissions reduction

The Paris Agreement framework states that the world should pursue efforts to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C compared to preindustrial levels.

To reach this goal, the world needs to achieve net-zero by 2050. In 2019, the UK & Scottish governments both passed legislation for net-zero targets for carbon emissions by 2050 & 2045 respectively.

Digitalisation is a key driver of the oil and gas industry. As processing power continues to increase and communications speeds improve through improving technologies (such as 5G, low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations & Wi-Fi 6) opportunities to reduce emissions offshore are being continuously enabled through implementation of new technology.

Over the past 18 months, Stena Drilling have implemented a ‘data-first’ strategy to develop a technology ecosystem that integrates and liberates data. By connecting data & making it accessible, advanced analysis can be performed that leads to increased learning & improved decision making. In line with the ‘‘Stena Drilling Carbon Reduction Roadmap’’, each business case is prioritised based on its impact against the carbon reduction roadmap, including direct, tangible improvements & less tangible benefits identified through process improvement.

Digitalisation can play an important role in decarbonisation. Whether through electrification, automation, performance improvement, or circular collaborative supply chains, opportunities for rig contractors, operators & service companies exist to significantly reduce carbon output.

“When you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind. … It may be the beginning of knowledge, but you have scarcely in your thoughts advanced to the stage of science.” – Lord Kelvin (1824 – 1907) University of Chicago

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Stena Drilling have continued to invest in digital technology. Hardware has been deployed across the fleet to connect and liberate data. OPC UA servers have been deployed on drilling & BOP control systems and connected to Kongsberg’s Kognifai platform. By making data accessible, it can be measured. For example, energy consumption can be analysed against ‘Rig State’. By connecting the drilling data to the engine & fuel consumption data, increased knowledge can be had to evaluate ‘predicted’ energy utilisation by what the rig is doing at any point in time. By better understanding the energy demands from each individual system, emissions can be predicted & managed with increased efficiency. Through a connected ecosystem, it is possible to accurately predict emissions levels created against a well programme. In addition to predicting the expected emissions, an emissions reduction plan should also be co-created between the parties to optimise delivery as an integral part of the well delivery plan.

A huge part of energy management is the culture within the organisation & there is no better way to mould a performance improvement culture than through the transparent sharing of data. In recent times we have seen rigs actively compete to be the most carbon efficient asset in the Stena Drilling fleet. It is compelling to see the rig crews fully get behind the strategy.

“Energy Culture, that is one of the main areas we have to focus on. Data plays a significant role as it enables awareness of consumption and provides feedback on improvements we are making. Data will allow us to identify hardware upgrades that will improve performance but equally important is that individuals recognise they have a responsibility to reduce consumption and that we can all make a difference.” – Graham Brunt – Chief Technical Officer

Stena Drilling's culture of innovation, combined with a strong digital platform has resulted in multiple new opportunities to further reduce emissions across our fleet in recent times. The streamlined process for implementation means that these initiatives are now being actively deployed across our fleet. So far in 2021, through the effectiveness of the carbon reduction roadmap, emissions have been reduced by 8.74% against predicted levels. From upgrades to the HPU Pump Management system to implementing vessel smart meters, the data-driven carbon reduction roadmap at Stena Drilling is on track to significantly reduce emissions in-line with the Paris Agreement.

Read the latest issue of the OGV Energy magazine HERE.