Subsea power distribution and conversion technology 'applicable to floating wind'

The company claims the new technology will ‘revolutionise’ offshore oil and gas projects and has long-term applications in floating offshore wind and other forms of renewable energy.

The technology is the result of a US$100M research, design and development joint industry project between ABB and Equinor with partners Total and Chevron. The project was initiated in 2013.

Now, the company claims, a shallow water test has demonstrated that the majority of the world’s offshore hydrocarbon resources “are in reach for electrification.”

“By powering pumps and compressors on the seabed, closer to the reservoir, ABB’s subsea power distribution and conversion technology can significantly reduce power consumption,” the company claimed. “There is potential for substantial energy savings, with reduced carbon emissions using power from shore.

“ABB’s subsea power technology can connect to any power source, enabling future integration with renewable energy, such as wind.”

ABB industrial automation president Dr Peter Terwiesch said, “Moving an entire oil and gas production facility to the seabed is no longer a dream. Remotely operated, increasingly autonomous subsea facilities powered by lower carbon energy are more likely to become a reality as we transition towards a new energy future.”