ABB and Statoil are developing technologies for deep energy supply system

$ 100 million were funded to research and development program to develop underwater power grid complex ABB, the leader in power and automation technology, entered into a joint program with the Norwegian industrial gas corporation Statoil. The program deals with the development of solutions for systems of transmission, distribution and power conversion, designed for deepwater subsea pumps and gas compressors at a depth of over 3,000 meters. This agreement is an important step towards the development of subsea oil and gas production facilities.

Statoil acts on behalf of several major oil companies participating in this program, and ABB is responsible for the development of new technologies in automation and electricity. This agreement is the result of intense underwater energy research conducted by Statoil and ABB in 2012. The total value of the agreement amounts $ 100 million and is funded jointly by all participating companies.

The five-year program is crucial for the development of the technology needed to provide electricity to major deep-water pumps and gas compression, which will be located on the Norwegian continental shelf in the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the world. Deep water pumps and the installation of gas compression contribute to a more efficient use of resources of oil and gas due to higher oil recovery factor, reducing the cost of production and further development of production in deep water.

This program will provide industrial solutions for power transmission up to 100 megawatts (MW) at a distance of 600 kilometers (km) and a depth of 3000 meters (m), which is very important for the development of remote oil and gas fields, located far away from other infrastructure .

"Expanding the boundaries of oil and gas continues to provide successful opportunities for ABB - says Veli-Matti Reynikkala (Veli-Matti Reinikkala), Head of" Process Automation "- ABB is a leading innovator in solutions for the transformation of energy for underwater installations for 15 years. We are delighted that Statoil is a pioneer on underwater technologies, and decided to cooperate with us again. "

Subsea power distribution technology allows to supply several loads such as pumps and compressors through a single power cable. This will significantly reduce the capital cost compared to existing solutions that use different cables for each single load. The new technology, for example, will save more than $ 500 million if one cable connects eight loads a distance of 200 km from the other infrastructure.

Equipment will be tested in a tank filled with liquid to provide a compact and reliable solutions, which is supported by the same pressure as in the working depth. The program also involves the review of all the materials and components, detailed design and full-scale testing of 36 kV switchgear and two variable frequency drives for pumps and gas compressors.