Carnegie Clean Energy has received grant funding from National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) for an offshore platform solar installation.
Carnegie Clean Energy and Eni Australia will improve system security through the integration of solar PV at the Blacktip Wellhead Platform in the Southern Bonaparte Basin.
The platform currently makes use of an uninterruptable power supply consisting of turbogenerators feeding a battery bank.
“We are seeing the range of applications for clean technologies extend further as their cost competitiveness and reliability continue to advance and are better understood by customers,” Carnegie Clean Energy managing director Dr Michael Ottaviano said.
“Solar and battery systems are increasingly being considered for new applications, particularly in remote locations that are expensive and difficult to access. Eni has shown leadership in this space.”
The project aims to integrate solar energy technology to reduce the total hours of turbogenerator operation and reduce costs associated with cold starts, leading to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and improving system availability.
If successful, the innovative approach could provide a model for securing power availability in high-risk offshore environment.
“Carnegie Clean Energy’s solution for Eni Australia’s Blacktip Wellhead Platform is an example of NERA’s drive to support innovation and new technology across Australia’s energy resources sector,” NERA CEO Miranda Taylor said.
“The Federal Government, through NERA, has provided $200,000 of industry matched-funding to deliver clean and reliable power across the platform.
“Until now, the use of traditional power generation has dominated offshore oil and gas facilities but this project demonstrates the possibilities and opportunities that can come from integrating renewable energy into offshore assets.”
