TotalEnergies Launches North Sea Floating Wind Pilot to Power Offshore Oil & Gas Platform

TotalEnergies has announced a groundbreaking pilot project involving a floating wind turbine to supply renewable power to the Culzean offshore platform in the UK North Sea. This innovative initiative marks a significant step towards decarbonizing offshore operations and demonstrates TotalEnergies' commitment to sustainable energy solutions. By harnessing the power of the wind to supply electricity to the platform, the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more environmentally friendly energy future.

The 3 MW floating wind turbine, set to be located 2 km west of the Culzean platform and 220 km off Scotland's eastern coast, marks a significant step towards sustainable energy in offshore operations. Expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, this turbine will provide around 20% of the Culzean platform’s power needs, leading to a notable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The turbine will be mounted on a modular, lightweight semi-submersible floater hull, specifically designed by Ocergy. This innovative design facilitates rapid assembly and reduces costs, making it a highly efficient solution for offshore wind energy deployment.

TotalEnergies is a long-standing player in the UK energy sector, with a presence spanning over six decades. The company employs a significant workforce of over 1,800 individuals across various energy-related activities. As a leading oil and gas operator, TotalEnergies contributes substantially to the UK's energy production, accounting for approximately 30% of the gas produced on the UK Continental Shelf. In 2023, the company's average daily production reached 142,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Marie-Noelle Semeria, Chief Technology Officer at TotalEnergies, explained that the innovative pilot project seeks to demonstrate the hybridization of power generation on an offshore facility. This involves integrating renewable electricity from a floating wind turbine with existing gas turbine power generation. The project also aims to validate a new and promising floater design, which could play a significant role in the future of floating offshore wind energy. This initiative not only tests the feasibility of combining different energy sources but also contributes to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions in offshore environments.

In line with its Integrated Power strategy, TotalEnergies is actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio in the UK. The company's current renewable assets include the Seagreen offshore wind farm, boasting an installed capacity of 1.1 GW. Additionally, TotalEnergies has a pipeline of renewable projects under development, totaling 4.5 GW. To further enhance its energy mix, the company recently acquired gas-fired power plants (CCGT) with a combined output of 1.3 GW. This strategic move strengthens TotalEnergies' position as a diversified energy player in the UK, capable of providing a balanced mix of renewable and traditional energy sources.

This pilot project was chosen as part of Crown Estate Scotland's INTOG leasing round, a program aimed at fostering the integration of offshore wind energy with offshore oil and gas operations. The initiative is designed to promote sustainable energy solutions and reduce the carbon footprint of the oil and gas industry.