Wind-powered Water Injection (WIN WIN)

The WIN WIN (WINd-powered Water INjection) Joint Industry Project (JIP) is developing a wind-powered water injection system that will meet the technical, functional and commercial requirements of the industry, and represents a realistic alternative with unique advantages compared to conventional systems. The WIN WIN JIP combines proven technology in a new application with the aim to improve oil recovery by use of a wind powered water injection system. During the first phase of the JIP (2015-2016), no technical barriers were identified, and it was concluded that it is technically feasible to use a floating wind turbine to power a water injection process. Such a solution meets performance objectives and can compete with conventional solutions. The autonomous system is anchored close to the injection well. In addition to offering oil & gas (O&G) operators a flexible alternative to reduce costs, a WIN WIN unit is expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 9,000 tonnes. The second phase of the WIN WIN JIP was initiated in the beginning of 2017. The project is led by DNV GL, with participation from ExxonMobil and Vår Energi (previously named Eni Norge). The project aimed to validate the electrical system and increase the understanding of the operation of an autonomous AC microgrid with large and varying loads. The main activities during phase two of the WIN WIN project have been simulation studies and experimental testing of the microgrid. The experimental testing, referred to as 'power-hardware-in-the-loop' (PHIL), has successfully been carried out in DNV GL's laboratory in Arnhem in the Netherlands. The results have increased the confidence that the electrical microgrid can operate and remain stable in all operational modes and transitions required by the system and has increased the overall technology readiness level of the system. As WIN WIN represents a novel and unique concept integrating offshore wind and O&G technologies, the regulatory regime is not yet formally in place. DNV GL has been in dialogue with relevant authorities and stakeholders to understand the applicable regulatory framework for a potential WIN WIN unit on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). A potential way forward for compliance with applicable regulations has been mapped in a Regulatory Compliance Plan. No regulatory showstoppers have been identified. An Operations & Maintenance (O&M) plan has been developed for the system, including requirements for scheduled and un-scheduled maintenance, manning, vessels and expected cooperation with a host platform. This has formed the basis for updated reliability analysis. As a result of the updated reliability analysis and further refinements on the cost modelling, the expected Operational Expenditures (OPEX) have seen a significant reduction from phase 1. The project has further performed a market assessment with the focus on application on the NCS, presenting the regulatory framework and stakeholders, in addition to the status and development in relation to water injection activities. There are clear indications that a demand for a WIN WIN type system exists, and stakeholders have expressed interest in the development taking place in the JIP. The most evident drivers for WIN WIN applications are related to limited power supply from host platforms, long tie-back to existing platform, long distances to shore, space and weight restrictions on existing platform and increased price on carbon emissions. The operator's strategy and environmental profile is also assumed to be an influencing factor. New CAPEX estimates have been developed and the system performance have been evaluated for four different sites considering site-specific wind data. Performance indicators such as water injection rates, downtimes due to loss of wind, technical reliability and number of start/stop cycles have been evaluated. The option of having a DC microgrid has been evaluated and opportunities and challenges related to this alternative have been identified. A Guideline for WIN WIN type systems have been developed to provide observation, recommendations and requirements to support and inspire development of WIN WIN type systems. The deliverables from the phase 2 of the JIP in terms of project reports were delivered to the partners in December 2018. During the spring 2019, webinars/final presentations have been given to the partners. Meetings and presentations have also been arranged for other interested parties, such as equipment vendors and O&G operators. The project was also presented during the UTC conference in Bergen 12-13 June 2019. A public report from the JIP was released on 8 May 2019 in relation to the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston (US) and is available on DNV GL's internet page for downloading. Also, the Guideline document is available to the public upon request.

Outcomes -DNV GL will use the results and knowledge in our advisory and verification services. The gained competence can be applied to both WIN WIN type systems and similar challenges such as island operations and stand-alone automation systems. -The industry partners' long term plan is to use the achieved knowledge and results in future field development projects. The partners have also increased their competence in offshore wind. Impacts -The project's largest achievement is that the WIN WIN microgrid is now considered proven on a conceptual level. The industry as a whole can benefit from this in future developments. -The project has been in the forefront for collaborations between the OW industry and the O&G industry. As the O&G industry is under pressure to reduce emissions, it is expected that the experiences from WIN WIN will be useful for various stakeholders in the coming years when looking at opportunities to integrate renewable energy technologies with O&G operations.

WIN WIN is DNV GLs concept for Wind Powered Water Injection. It comprises a floating wind turbine which supplies power to a water injection process in a fully standalone system, including pumps and water treatment systems. For the oil and gas industry, this is a flexible solution which can increase the lifetime of existing fields and reduce the emissions compared to the conventional solution. For the wind industry, this is an opportunity to develop floating wind power in commercial projects, and at the same time, learn from the offshore experience of the oil industry. The concept was initially studied by DNV GL and further explored in a DNV GL led joint industry project (JIP) that was undertaken together with oil majors in 2015/2016. The main conclusions from the phase 1 are that no technical showstoppers are identified and that the concept is cost-competitive to conventional solutions for suitable fields. However, it was also concluded that relevant research and development, testing and qualification has to be undertaken to improve and validate the concept. The primary objective of the phase 2 of the WIN WIN concept is therefore to develop the concept for wind-powered water injection towards commercialization by focusing on 3 key areas: i) analyse and improve technical solutions to key challenges, ii) improve performance and reduce cost of solution, and iii) demonstrate market potential and scalability. To achieve the above objectives, the project will encounter critical R&D challenges related to the development of electrical system for off-grid operation of wind turbine, the effect of variable power supply on components and sub-systems and challenges related to obtaining advanced water treatment systems.