Reducing upstream emissions through electrification

New research from Rystad Energy highlights the potential of electrification in reducing emissions in the upstream oil and gas industry

Converting upstream oil and gas production facilities to run on electricity powered by renewables or natural gas that would otherwise be flared could cut more than 80% of associated emissions, according to Rystad Energy.

The energy consultancy notes the success of Norway in reducing emissions from rigs and other assets by 86% through electrification, with plans to cut emissions from the continental shelf by 70% by 2040, thanks to its abundant renewable energy resources.

Other producing countries may face logistical barriers when converting assets, including significant distances from the mainland, a lack of power grid infrastructure and limited renewable power capacity.

The role of premium energy basins

‘Premium energy basins’ (PEB) – a term coined by Rystad Energy to describe oil and gas basins with ample hydrocarbon reserves and the potential to incorporate environmentally friendly practices – could play a major role in reducing upstream emissions, with the Middle East home to the top two PEBs. If PEB assets electrify and reduce emissions by 50%, a total of 5.5 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide (Gt of CO2) would be avoided by 2050. The 28 PEBs identified in the report offer estimated total emission savings of about 1.3 billion tonnes of CO2 between 2025 and 2030. The top 10 PEBs (by emissions savings) alone account for over 80% of these savings with the Middle Eastern Rub al Khali (370 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent [CO2e]) and Central Arabian (251 million tonnes of CO2e) leading the rankings. Electrification in these predominantly onshore basins, if adopted more widely, would largely be driven by drawing power from a clean onshore grid.

Electrification requires careful planning, including the selection of optimal technologies, assessment of total costs and strategies to ensure a continuous energy supply, particularly in remote locations with limited grid access.

Economic and financial viability must also be prioritised. A proactive approach to electrification can enhance operational efficiency and open new revenue streams through the sale of excess renewable energy.

“As the world confronts the pressing issue of climate change, the oil and gas industry is under increasing pressure to minimise its carbon footprint and align its practices with global sustainability objectives. Where it’s possible and economically viable, electrification has great potential to lower the industry's emissions while maintaining production output,” said Palzor Shenga, vice president of upstream research with Rystad Energy.

Reducing flaring could also be an effective way of reducing upstream emissions for both electrified assets and assets with limited electrification potential, Rystad notes. Around 140bn cubic metres per annum of gas has been flared globally in the last 10 years, equivalent to around 290mn tonnes of CO2e emissions annually, mainly accounted for by major producers in North America, the Middle East and Africa.