GE And Statoil To Develop Sustainable Energy Solutions

Energy Statoil and multinational GE announced a new collaboration between the two companies on Wednesday, aimed at developing more environmentally and economically sustainable energy solutions “to help fuel the future.”

But this announcement doesn’t involve developing solar and wind technology, rather, GE and Statoil are teaming up to drive “an industrial response to some of the biggest challenges facing global oil and gas production.”

Some of these “challenges” outlined in the press release announcing the joint collaboration include flaring, CO2 and methane emissions, and water usage — as well as the all-important “optimising business operations.”

“In order to respond to the growing energy demands of the world, continued investments in technology and innovation are critical to helping develop long-term, low-cost and more efficient energy solutions,” said Jeff Immelt, chairman and CEO of GE.

Or, as I see it, Statoil is desperately trying to extend its lifespan in a day and age where energy analysts around the globe are wondering how long fossil fuel-based energy companies have left before they are left stranded and alone in a world transitioning to renewable energy sources.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDdQqasmOBE#t=19

Making Fossil Fuels Efficient?

“The collaboration we are announcing today with Statoil brings together two leading technology players, and allows us to leverage our global network of engineers and technologists to make a profound impact on the development of energy solutions that reduce environmental impacts,” continued Immelt. “Through this collaboration, we hope to be a model for the rest of our industry, and to inspire thinking, creativity and innovation in addressing the challenges of more sustainable energy.”

The joint partnership between GE and Statoil aims to reduce emissions from oil and shale gas production, while also creating efficient and low-cost technologies to do so. According to Statoil, the program will be building upon projects already in progress, including:

• Reduce flaring and lower CO2 intensity through innovative application of CNG In A Box ™ as part of the innovative Last Mile Fueling solution: Provide a full-service natural gas fueling solution for operations by capturing, compressing, and using natural gas that would otherwise be flared at well sites. Compressed natural gas (CNG) can be used to fuel rigs, vehicles and equipment, thereby reducing or replacing the need for diesel.
• Reduce water usage through CO2 stimulation: Use liquefied CO2 stimulation to both reduce water usage in fracturing operations and increase oil and gas production.
• Increase fuel efficiency through gas compressor optimisation: Increase performance, efficiency, and extend maintenance intervals through optimisation of gas compressor components.
• Increase fuel efficiency with Turbine Online Water Wash technology: Increase performance, and reduce planned and unplanned turbine downtime by cleaning turbines during operation.

Carbon Emission Savings

GE and Statoil are relatively hopeful for the success of these projects.

Specifically, the Last Mile Fueling solution in the Williston Basin in North Dakota is billed as having the potential to reduce the equivalent of 120,000 to 200,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.