EC-OG to optimize Subsea Power Hub with OGTC support

East Coast Oil and Gas Engineering (EC-OG) has teamed up with the Oil & Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) for the optimization of its hybrid device based on ocean current energy conversion system with integrated energy storage.

EC-OG will together with OGTC undertake a Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study for its Subsea Power Hub for the advancement of the design, deployment procedures, and de-risking of the installation and operational phases for the device.

Richard Knox, Managing Director of EC-OG, said: “Working with the Technology Centre and the project partners will really help to reduce the risk for operators and developers in adopting new technology, both technically and financially.

“With the support of the Technology Centre, we are closing the gap between technology producers and operators. We’re de-risking our new technology for operators and providing key knowledge in the drive for maximum economic recovery.”

The Aberdeen-based developer has also recently become a member of the Technology Centre as part of the Small Pools Solution Centre.

The Small Pools Solution Centre is one of five Solution Centres, alongside Asset Integrity, Well Construction, Decommissioning and Digital Transformation, which identify, fund and support technology development to tackle key industry challenges.

Chris Pearson, Small Pools Solution Centre Manager of the OTGC, said: “The Subsea Power Hub has great potential so we were very happy to support the project. Finding more efficient and cost-effective ways of powering subsea wells is an excellent example of technology development that could help unlock marginal fields.”

EC-OG’s Subsea Power Hub is currently under trials at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. The self-contained turbine harnesses the energy within ocean currents to convert, store and deliver autonomous electrical power.

Launched in February 2017 with £180 million funding from the UK and Scottish governments, the OGTC is a non-profit, research and knowledge company, which aims to unlock the full potential of the UK North Sea.