Energy Focus - February 2020 by CMB Media Group

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR ENERGY LEADERS

EMEA

ENERGYFOCUS

www.emea-energy.net

February 2020

REPSOL:

Racing Towards a More Sustainable Future ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Equinor / Seabased / EDF Energy / Akuo

EDITOR’S LETTER EDITOR Joe Forshaw  joe@emea-energy.net SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Sam Hendricks  sam@emea-energy.net SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Tommy Atkinson  tommy@ emea-energy.net SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Lewis Hammond  lewis@emea-energy.net PROJECT MANAGER James Davey  jamesd@emea-energy.net PROJECT MANAGER Chris Wright  chrisw@emea-energy.net FINANCE MANAGER Chloe Manning  Chloe@emea-energy.net SENIOR DESIGNER Liam Woodbine  liam@emea-energy.net CONTRIBUTOR Manelesi Dumasi CONTRIBUTOR Karl Pietersen CONTRIBUTOR David Napier CONTRIBUTOR Timothy Reeder CONTRIBUTOR Colin Chinery CONTRIBUTOR Benjamin Southwold CONTRIBUTOR William Denstone

Published by Chris Bolderstone – General Manager E. chris@cmb-media.co.uk Rouen House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RB +44 (0) 1603 855 161 E. info@cmb-media.co.uk www.cmb-media.co.uk CMB Media Group does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/ or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher. © CMB Media Group Ltd 2020

BP have set the target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Repsol have also set sights on the same goal. Equinor and Total have both committed to lofty carbon emission targets, as all of the world’s energy majors look to get in line with the Paris Climate Agreements. All are diversifying and looking at ways to get into the renewable market which, whatever way you look at it, is a good thing. These majors can bring expertise, manpower, and most importantly, money – which has been one of the major hurdles in getting renewable projects off the ground. Repsol have been investing heavily in the development of the WindFloat Atlantic concept – a system that can harness floating platforms to the seafloor in previously inaccessible areas of the ocean, while boating capability of holding the heaviest turbines. Seabased, the Norwegian wave power company (one to watch), has started to agree projects around the world in places like Ghana, Tonga, and the Caribbean. Novel technology can generate clean electricity with almost no noise, visual, or environmental pollution. EDF Energy, known commonly for nuclear expertise, is investing heavily in wind energy with new parks opening and new generation coming online. Even with the stable and relatively clean supply of power from nuclear, the company is looking to traditional renewables to complement its portfolio. Perhaps we will start to hear less from all of those who said “what happens when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing” – maybe now, with the advances of technology, we are realising that renewable energy could make for the foundation of a cleaner, more sustainable energy mix. Get in touch and let us know if your business is making a shift in strategy, looking to move from fossil fuel related activity to renewable - we love to hear your stories.

Joe Forshaw EDITOR

GET IN TOUCH  +44 (0) 1603 855 161  joe@emea-energy.net www.emea-energy.net

www.emea-energy.net / 3

9/REPSOL Racing Towards a More Sustainable Future Repsol is investing in a strategy that will see it become cleaner, more sustainable, more efficient, and less reliant on fossil fuels so that it can further improve its impressive business case. All over the world, Repsol is investigating how it can become further entrenched in the lives of its clients by becoming CO2 net zero emitter by 2050.

ÂŠ Repsol

4 / www.emea-energy.net

CONTENTS

6// 8// 14// 24// 30// 34// 38//

NEWS The News Snapshot REPSOL Racing Towards a More Sustainable Future EQUINOR Major Oil Production Meets Dramatically Reduced Emissions SEABASED No Waves, No Glory for Seabased EDF ENERGY No Bluster In EDF’s Wind Proposals AKUO Innovators By Nature EXHIBITION CALENDAR Key Upcoming Events Across the Industry www.emea-energy.net / 5

CHANGES AT THE TOP OF BP The start of 2020 sees a number of personnel changes at the very top of BP – one of the world’s largest energy majors. At the end of March, Downstream CEO, Tufan Erginbilgic will step down and will be replaced by a yet to be named candidate. Erginbilgic has been with BP in an executive role since 2014. The Downstream sector includes global fuels, lubricants and petrochemicals businesses and has expanded to include fast-growing markets, retail partnerships, electric vehicle charging and use of bioproducts. Under the leadership of Erginbilgic, the sector has delivered over $5 billion in underlying annual earnings growth. Trained as an engineer, Erginbilgic spent the majority of his career in the petroleum industry, working for Mobil before joining BP in 1997. He has held numerous senior positions within the group and will be missed by the company. “I am very proud of what we have achieved together in the Downstream. We have gone through an incredible transformation, delivered against our clear strategy and built a strong platform for continued growth. I truly feel privileged to have led this business – we have talented, dedicated people with great capability throughout the organisation and I am confident they have what it will take to compete and lead through the energy transition,” he said. Bernard Looney, BP Chief Executive Officer, said: “Under Tufan’s leadership, BP’s Downstream has been at the heart of our return to growth; what he has achieved in this time is extraordinary. He has transformed the business, leading a team that has delivered impressive results time and again. I have always appreciated his strategic thinking, expertise and understanding of the business and will miss having him on the team.” At the end of January, CFO Brian Gilvary announced his plans to retire after 34 years with the company, eight

as CFO. “My career with BP has been a privilege, bringing opportunities and challenges that I could not have imagined when I first started out. But now is the right time to move on: BP is in good shape – strong and ready to face the future with new leadership. I am especially proud of the talented and diverse team of people we have built and all that we have achieved together – I’m certain BP will be in good hands,” he said. Gilvary will be replaced by Murray Auchincloss, currently CFO of BP’s Upstream segment. “After a thorough selection process, the board is pleased to have chosen Murray as BP’s next CFO. With his international financial and commercial experience and a deep understanding of the whole group, he will play an important role as BP continues to develop in a fastchanging energy market. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Brian for all he has done for BP and look forward to welcoming Murray to the board,” said Chairman Helge Lund.

TOTAL TO TAKE ON SPANISH SOLAR INDUSTRY French energy major Total – active around the world across multiple industry verticals – will enter the Spanish solar industry through partnerships alongside Powertis and Solarbay Renewable Energy to develop nearly 2 GW of renewable power. In a 65/35 agreement with Powertis, Total Solar International will develop an initial 800 MW of utility scale solar plants while also bringing onboard 800 MW of existing Powertis pipeline projects. Total Solar International will also acquire 1.2 GW of

6 / www.emea-energy.net

projects under the Solarbay brand. “Spain benefits from a solar resource that is unparalleled in Europe. Its photovoltaic market is one of the most dynamic in Europe, with an expected capacity increase from 6 GW to nearly 40 GW by 20301. Total is pleased to enter on this fastgrowing market through partnerships with local developers,” said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President Renewables at Total. The first project of these pipelines is set to begin operations by the end of 2020, with the ambition that all projects of both portfolios will be in service in 2023.

NEWS SNAPSHOT ULTRA-FAST CHARGING ELECTRIC VEHICLES FROM E.ON E.ON has partnered with Volkswagen Group Components to deliver a prototype for ultra-fast, flexible electrical vehicle charging based on a system which requires no civil engineering or connection to mains. Based on integrating a new battery system, the idea is set to revolutionised the way electric charging points are rolled out and significantly improve the number of sites available. To ensure that the battery installed in the charging station always has sufficient capacity, it is permanently fed by a conventional 16 to 63 ampere power connection.

The quick charge system operates a plug and play type principle and can charge two cars with up to 150 kilowatts of power simultaneously. E.ON will operate the rapid chargers exclusively with green electricity. Updates, remote maintenance and billing of the charging points will be carried out via E.ON’s central software platform. The technology meets all the requirements for financial support under both the EU and the German directive and complies with the requirements of calibration law. E.ON will commence testing the system in Q3 2020 and will

start with six charging points at motorway filling stations. E.ON Board of Management member Karsten Wildberger: “E.ON made progress in electromobility years ago and has brought its own ultra-fast filling stations to the motorways of Europe. From the very beginning, we have been concerned with the wishes and problems of our customers and are now taking the next step towards the future with Volkswagen Group Components. By joining forces, we can now offer our customers flexible ultra-fast charging systems that are faster, simpler and cheaper than conventional solutions.”

VATTENFALL DISPLAYS WIND DOMINANCE Vattenfall – the leading manufacture of wind turbines - has reported strong results, with success coming from offshore wind farm development. Net sales increased by 9% in 2019. Operating profit increased 26%, and the improvements have been put down to surging demand for offshore wind projects. In 2019, the company inaugurated the 407 MW Horns Rev 3 offshore wind farm in Denmark and won the tender for Hollandse Kust Zuid 3&4, which will translate into a wind farm of approximately 750 MW, in the Dutch North Sea. CEO Magnus Hall said 2019 had been “a positive year with tangible steps towards a fossil-free future’, explaining: ‘In offshore wind we reached a number of important milestones during the year. In

Denmark the Horns Rev 3 (407 MW) wind farm was inaugurated, and construction was started on Kriegers Flak (605 MW). In the Netherlands we had the winning tender for Hollandse Kust Zuid 3&4 (~750 MW). We will develop and operate this project together with the first stage, Hollandse Kust Zuid 1&2, entirely without subsidies. The combined project, HKZ 1-4, will have capacity of approximately 1.5 GW and thereby annual electricity generation in the same size range as a nuclear power reactor.” The company also has a strong pipeline for 2020 including a signed agreement with Siemens Gamesa to supply 140 turbines to the HK1-4 projects, with a capacity of 11MW. Profit for the period increased by 24% to SEK 14,861 million (EUR 12,007 million).

www.emea-energy.net / 7

REPSOL

Racing Towards a More

Sustainable Future PRODUCTION: Karl Pietersen

Repsol is investing in a strategy that will see it become cleaner, more sustainable, more efficient, and less reliant on fossil fuels so that it can further improve its impressive business case. All over the world, Repsol is investigating how it can become further entrenched in the lives of its clients by becoming CO2 net zero emitter by 2050. 8 / www.emea-energy.net

Â© Repsol - Campus/Headquarters

INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL, GAS, RENEWABLES

Spanish energy major, Repsol, is busy completing a strategy that sees the company diversify to include more renewable production to help drive profitable business growth and improve shareholder distribution. Initially slated for implementation between 2016 and 2020, strategic goals were achieved after just two years and the company adjusted its plan with new targets for the 2018 to 2020 period. The updated plan is focused on growth and value creation in any scenario. Repsol is planning big spend across multiple platforms and €15 billion was set aside for the tow year period. 53% of this was set for Upstream unit (Exploration and Production), 45% for Downstream (Refining, Chemicals, Marketing, Lubricants, Trading, LPG, Gas and Power) and low-emissions assets. Repsol also allocated €2.5 billion to low-emissions energy projects and developing new long-term business opportunities. “Repsol has a two-fold objective in its absolute commitment to the fight against climate change: to provide energy access and form part of the solution to climate change,” says Repsol CEO, Josu Jon Imaz.

10 / www.emea-energy.net

To date, the new strategy has proved successful and in Oct 2019, Repsol released a decent set of financial results for the first three quarters. Net income stood at €1.466 billion; operating cash flow increased 22% to €4.074 billion; upstream business posted earnings of €864 million and continued its successful operating performance - a major highlight of which was the largest on-shore discovery of the year in Indonesia - and the start of production at the Buckskin project (USA); and downstream earnings stood at €1.087 billion. “The robust performance of cash flow, in a weaker market environment, demonstrates the soundness of our strategy,” said Imaz. WINDFLOAT As one of the steps in Repsol’s progress towards environmental efficiency, the WindFloat project has been both a success and a learning curve. A joint project between Repsol (19.4%), Engie (25%), EDP Renewables (54.4%), and Principle Power (1.2%), WindFloat Atlantic is a concept surrounding the construction of floating offshore wind farms, where turbines are fixed to floating platforms anchored to the seabed by metal

// WE BELIEVE NOW IT IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR REPSOL. WE DO IT WITH THE UTMOST CONFIDENCE THAT WE INVEST FOR THE FUTURE // chains. Already rolled out and tested with input from companies located in the two host countries – Portugal and Spain. There are a number of benefits that arise as a result of this modern design. Firstly, the opportunity for dry-dock assembly and towing without the need for specialised towing craft has been vastly improved. Secondly, there is less reliance on complex offshore installation machines and the disruption that comes with traditional bottomfixed structures. Thirdly, the idea can be rolled out anywhere and is not limited to geographies with certain conditions or infrastructure. Also, the floating structure is capable of holding the largest of wind turbines making for a more efficient power generation system.

REPSOL

The whole idea came about while considering how to access areas of the ocean, with deep water but strong and consistent winds, so that the potential power could be harnessed. In January, the first WindFloat Atlantic wind farm became fully operational with an 8.4 MW turbine mounted on a floating platform, connected to the land by a 20km cable, supplying into the grid via a substation in Viana do Castello in the north of Portugal. Two other WindFloat platforms are yet to be connected but will eventually add to the system to deliver 25 MW of renewable energy. “The WindFloat Atlantic units –measuring 30 metres in height and with a 50-metre distance between columns– accommodate the world’s largest wind turbines installed on a floating structure of 8.4 MW, helping to increase power generation and drive significant reductions in lifecycle costs. “Once fully operational the three Wind Turbine generators making up the wind farm, with their 25 MW

of installed capacity, will be able to generate enough energy to supply the equivalent of 60,000 users each year. “The commissioning of this wind farm facilitates access to untapped marine areas and represents a significant technological leap towards shaping a carbon-free economy in Portugal. “The third and final platform, once it arrives to the site, will complete the first floating offshore wind farm in Continental Europe,” said Windplus – the consortium made up of EDP Renewables, Engie, Repsol, And Principle Power. At the end of December 2019, the second floating platform set off from the Port of Ferrol set for its new home alongside the original platform, 20km off the coast of Viana do Castello. “Transportation of the three WindFloat Atlantic floating structures is a milestone in itself, as it sidesteps the need for towing craft designed specifically for this process and makes it possible for the project to be replicated in other geographies,” the consortium detailed.

SOLIFY In another move to boost its renewable and environmental reputation and portfolio, Repsol announced the launch of a new product, Solify, in December. Aimed at households and small businesses, Solify is a turnkey product with the aim of promoting self-generation and self-consumption, ultimately leading to reduced CO2 emissions and improving efficiency of gird operations. Customers can generate energy for self-consumption and resell excess back to providers for reissue to the grid. “Self-consumption offers unquestionable advantages: it reduces emissions and improves the efficiency of the electricity network by allowing unconsumed energy to be placed on the market. Solar energy is perfectly complemented by this self-supply solution, owing greatly to research and development in recent years of new technologies that have made the installation of solar panels more accessible while, at the same time, increasing their efficiency and cost-

www.emea-energy.net / 11

INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL, GAS, RENEWABLES

effectiveness,” says Repsol. “With this launch, Repsol is reinforcing its strategy as a multienergy supplier for all its customers in accordance with their needs. Solify is a turnkey product that includes everything from license management and the procedures for legalizing the installations, to the installation of the panels adhering to the highest quality and safety standards, as well as remote monitoring of the installation to ensure that it is always in perfect working condition,” the company adds. Traditionally, Repsol has been recognised for its work in the oil and gas space but, with the new strategy in place, the journey forward is clearly going to involve decarbonisation and more renewable products.

12 / www.emea-energy.net

NET ZERO One of the drivers behind this element of Repsol strategy? The company has made a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. In an effort to tackle climate change, Repsol has set out detailed guideline for what needs to be achieved between 2020 and 2040, and is the first global oil and gas major to set such an ambitious target. The company made the announcement of intent in December 2019 and was followed by BP, with the same pledge, in February 2020. Repsol will use 2016 as the baseline and aim for the reduction of its carbon intensity by 10% by 2025, 20% by 2030, 40% by 2040, and net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. “It is possible to achieve at least 70% of this target with the technology

that can currently be foreseen, and the company is committed to applying the best available technologies to increase this figure, including carbon capture, use and storage. Repsol would, if necessary, additionally offset emissions through reforestation and other natural climate sinks to achieve zero net emissions by 2050,” the company says. Later this year, Repsol will reveal details of its 2021 – 2025 strategy and the net zero target will be a key driver of all elements of this new direction for the business. “We are convinced that we must set more ambitious objectives to fight climate change,” said Josu Jon Imaz said in December. “We believe now it is the right time for Repsol. We do it with the utmost confidence that we

REPSOL

invest for the future. Addressing the significant challenges that lie ahead with strategic clarity is what will allow us to turn them into opportunities. We are convinced that this strengthens our project that is sustainable, attractive and profitable for all our stakeholders.” The culture of this behemoth business is shifting.

// WE MUST EVOLVE TOWARD A MORE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MODEL THAT ENSURES THE PROTECTION OF OUR PLANET //

Culture starts at the top and for Repsol, both Chairman and CEO are firmly behind the net zero targets and the company’s decarbonisation. Not only will it lead to a cleaner environment, the expectation is that Repsol will benefit through first mover advantage into new industry sectors. “As a global company, Repsol became an active player in the energy transition long ago. As part of this process, we must evolve toward a more sustainable energy model that ensures the protection of our planet. As such, our company continues to drive energy efficiency in all our operations and in our commitment to our core business as we further pursue low-emissions,” says Antonio Bufrau Niubó, Repsol Chairman. Jon Imaz, agrees, saying: “Repsol’s

new growth-oriented roadmap is based on three pillars: increasing shareholder returns, growing our Upstream and Downstream businesses profitably, and developing new lowemissions businesses linked to the energy transition.” The energy transition is happening – with or without major companies – so for Repsol it makes perfect sense to invest in its future, and the future of the planet through cleaner, more sustainable production.

WWW.REPSOL.COM

www.emea-energy.net / 13

Ole Jørgen Bratland © Equinor

EQUINOR

Major Oil Production Meets Dramatically Reduced Emissions

PRODUCTION: Timothy Reeder

For nearly 50 years, Equinor has been pushing the boundaries of imagination and technology in the oil and gas industry to solve the challenges thrown up by an everchanging world. “That quest has taken us to greater depths, deeper waters and new frontiers,” Equinor states, and nothing better exemplifies this than its record-breaking Johan Sverdrup field. Opened in January, its arrival has been a huge boon for Norway, for investors and in the ongoing battle to reduce emissions, and it is a key part of Equinor’s bid to a secure a sustainable energy future. www.emea-energy.net / 15

INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL & GAS

Oil, gas and electricity are three of the most crucial elements keeping the wheels of society turning, fuelling transportation, communications, manufacturing and industry. Since 1972 Equinor has been energising hundreds of millions of lives, an international energy company present in more than 30 countries worldwide working to develop the oil, gas, wind and solar energy sectors of its host territories. Active in several of the world’s most important oil and gas provinces, Equinor is also the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and strategically headquartered in Stavanger; it is a vital player in a country which is itself one of the major energy producers and among the world’s largest exporters of oil. “We’re the largest operator in

Norway, one of the world’s largest offshore operators, and a growing force in renewables,” Equinor sums up. “Driven by our dedication to safety, equality and sustainability and our Nordic urge to explore beyond the horizon, we’re shaping the future of energy.” The company’s proud Norwegian origins are even more explicitly reflected in its new name, changed from Statoil in 2018 as it leads a global shift toward a brighter energy future. SVERDRUP START-UP “We are a leading explorer for new oil and gas fields,” Equinor says. “We do this not only to replenish the reserves we produce from current fields, but also to meet the energy needs of a growing world population with improving living standards.” January 7th of this year proved a

// JOHAN SVERDRUP OFFERS BOTH HIGH VALUE CREATION AND RECORD-LOW EMISSIONS // momentous day for all at Equinor, with the record-breaking Johan Sverdrup field officially opened by Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. Since Equinor and its partners on the field - Lundin Norway, Petoro, Aker BP and Total - started the field last October, production has increased to well in excess of 300,000 barrels per day; this is forecast to climb to 440,000 barrels per day before the conclusion of Phase 1. In Phase 2, this daily production figure will rise to 660,000 barrels,

Marking the official opening of the Johan Svedrup field, with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Oil and Energy Minister Sylvi Listhaug. Photo: Arne Reidar Mortensen © Equinor

16 / www.emea-energy.net

OFFSHORE DRILLING RAISING THE STANDARD OF DRILLING OPERATIONS An unrivalled reliable drilling contractor serving the energy market. A competitive player in harsh and benign environments, serving the ultra-deep, deep and shallow water markets, promoting a high performance culture and constantly open to innovation. Always keen on pursuing a no compromise HSE policy. SAIPEM.COM

INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL & GAS

with two thirds of the expected 2.7 billion barrels of oil equivalent in recoverable reserves at Johan Sverdrup likely to be produced before 2030. “We are working systematically on creating higher value from the field and achieving an optimal recovery rate,” explained Arne Sigve Nylund, executive vice president for Development and Production Norway. “The field ambition is to

// WE’RE THE LARGEST OPERATOR IN NORWAY, ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST OFFSHORE OPERATORS, AND A GROWING FORCE IN RENEWABLES //

reach a recovery rate above 70%.” “The Johan Sverdrup field is a technological triumph and a milestone for the Norwegian oil industry,” Equinor continues, “supplying the world with energy, and creating value for society. Now we’re creating value, benefitting Norwegian society and reducing emissions.” Johan Sverdrup is expected to yield a total production revenue exceeding NOK1400 billion, benefitting the Norwegian state to the tune of more than NOK900 billion in revenue. It is hugely important for reasons other than the resources it harbours, however; the field is also setting a new standard for CO2 efficiency in extraction, with a land-based power supply leading to record-low CO2 emissions of well below 1kg per barrel, compared to a global average of around 18kg.

“Johan Sverdrup offers both high value creation and record-low emissions, making Johan Sverdrup a future-oriented oil field and part of the solution for reduced emissions. Electrification is an important tool for reaching Norwegian and international climate goals, aiming to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in Norway by 40% by 2030, and close to zero emissions in 2050,” Eldar Sætre, CEO of Equinor, expanded. CLEAN ENERGY COMMITMENT Equinor is immensely proud of its new start-up, and it is easy to see why, looking at the enormous production potential twinned with an unprecedented reduction in emissions per barrel. This is not an easy time to operate in the oil sphere,

Marking the official opening of the Johan Svedrup field, with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Oil and Energy Minister Sylvi Listhaug. Photo: Arne Reidar Mortensen © Equinor

18 / www.emea-energy.net

Continues on page 22

EQUINOR

Maximize Oil and Gas Production with a Digital Twin Strategy Author: Eddy Lek, AVEVA, Global Industry Marketing Manager Rising trade and geopolitical tensions are heightening volatility in the oil market with crude prices swinging widely in the past months. Given the increased volatility and expectation of a lower crude price environment, oil and gas companies are accelerating their Digital Transformation initiatives to drive effective capacity, not only through CAPEX, but also OPEX investments by optimising operations and improving asset availability as these are more scalable and have a shorter lead time, enabling companies to swiftly respond to market changes. Digital initiatives, if well executed, can unleash enormous opportunities in value creation. Leveraging Digital Twin Strategy in Digital Transformation A digital twin is a complete 360-degree replica of a physical asset such as pipelines, gathering systems, heat exchangers, turbines, pumps, compressors or entire plants that enables modelling of process and control, and monitoring of equipment health. It is the foundation of a digital transformation that optimises production, detects equipment problems before failures occur, uncovers new opportunities for process improvement, all while reducing unplanned downtime. Tagging operating assets with low quality and noisy data at the start of the process is likely to generate inferior or inaccurate results at downstream, reducing the value that can be extracted from the data. Therefore, ensuring a robust information management infrastructure to store, manage and contextualize data is first steps towards building a Digital Twin. Building a Digital Twin To build a digital twin for an asset, an initial 3D model is created. This model is then tagged with all the necessary attributes and engineering documentation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as geometry, layout, connectivity of key components and process data, and other business and safety-critical engineering and design information. Through AVEVA NET - a robust information gateway, information and data around the asset are extracted from disparate data sources and validated for accuracy against known standards to create viewable renditions of documents and drawings. This acts as a data validation layer to ensure that all data meet the correct standards throughout the asset lifecycle. With the unified data-centric models, engineers are empowered with the ability to visualise the downstream impacts of their actions when they make either design or operational changes during operations. As a result, it eliminates information silos and reduces the decision cycles through improved collaboration and change management process. A good illustration is the data-centric engineering and design platform deployed by Aibel that facilitates collaboration across multiple offices, enabling them to work closely with Equinor during project execution and deliver the Johan Sverdrup offshore platform on time and under budget. Taking Operational Efficiency to the next level As the operational life continues, the digital twin is updated automatically, in real time, with current data, work records, and engineering information, to optimise maintenance and operational activities. With this, engineers and operators can easily search the asset tags to access critical up-to-date engineering and work information, and diagnose the health of a particular asset. Previously, such tasks would take considerable time and effort, and would often lead to issues being missed, leading to failures or production outages. With the digital twin, operational and asset issues are flagged and addressed early-on, and the workflow becomes preventative, instead of reactive. Combining Analytics and Artificial Intelligence The real-time process data from the digital replica, in turn, can be fed into predictive analytics and artificial intelligence with the ultimate goals of optimising overall production, process conditions and even predicting failures ahead of time. The Digital Twin, when combined with powerful analytics and artificial intelligence, enables predictive maintenance and optimal operations. With advanced pattern recognition, statistical models and machine learning technology, relevant data is then transformed into useful contexts with decision support, empowering workers to make technical decisions on-the-fly to reduce unplanned downtime and to optimise operating conditions. Embarking on a journey with sustainable long-term results Digital transformation allows companies to create new capabilities, new business models, and innovate ahead of their competition. It is a journey through deployment of technology and driving behavioural change in workforce. Making the transition successfully can be profoundly rewarding for companies. The breadth and depth of products and services in AVEVAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio offers greater choices and flexibility in designing a path to maximise oil and gas production in a methodical and extensible manner.

www.emea-energy.net / 19

On time. Under budget. More efficient. Equinor’s $1.2 billion, 22,500-ton Johan Sverdrup drilling platform was created in less time and with lower costs than expected, thanks to AVEVA. With 850 engineers across the world contributing 55,000 drawings, our powerful AVEVA E3D design software enabled a 20% reduction in engineering hours, driven by seamless digital collaboration. By modeling the platform in 3D, our solution allowed asset owners and EPCs to manage projects by cross-refencing one single “digital twin” of the project, keeping costs down and improving safety.

To learn more, visit sw.aveva.com/success-stories/aibel

Photograph by Arne Reidar Mortensen, courtesy of Equinor ASA.

INDUSTRY FOCUS: OIL & GAS

Continued from page 18 with more people than ever calling for an end to production. Far from deterring Equinor, such challenges push it to improve, both in its operations as a company and to spark charge in the industry as a whole. “If people didn’t care and protest about the climate, we’d be far worse off,” says geologist Thea Broch, from Equinor’s office in Harstad. “Our industry is experiencing fundamental challenges, and facing new realities,” Equinor recognises. “Some see them as threats. In Equinor, we believe our job is to turn them into opportunities. That’s why

22 / www.emea-energy.net

we’re looking for new ways to utilise our expertise in the energy industry, exploring opportunities in new energy as well as driving innovation in oil and gas around the world. “We know that the future has to be low carbon. Our ambition is to be the world’s most carbon-efficient oil and gas producer, as well as driving innovation in offshore wind and renewables,” Equinor sums up. The elephantine Johan Sverdrup is showing how much more cleanly oil can be produced, and looks set to redefine oil discovery, numbering barrels by the billion. On average, 18 kg of CO2 is emitted per barrel of oil produced. At

the Johan Sverdrup field, emissions will be a record low of 0.67 kg — or 4% of the world average — per barrel. “World energy demand continues to rise, and we will still have a significant need for oil and gas in the foreseeable future. But not all barrels are created equal — and it’s important that the oil which is produced, is produced as cleanly as possible,” Equinor states. At Johan Sverdrup it is innovation and the latest within digitalisation that enables oil production with much greater CO2 efficiency. Even more recently, Equinor has signed an agreement with Eidesvik © Equinor Offshore shipyard for the construction of the

EQUINOR

// OUR AMBITION IS TO BE THE WORLD’S MOST CARBON-EFFICIENT OIL AND GAS PRODUCER, AS WELL AS DRIVING INNOVATION IN OFFSHORE WIND AND RENEWABLES // Viking Energy supply vessel, capable of covering long distances fuelled by carbon-free ammonia. The vessel will transport supplies to installations on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). “Equinor aims to reduce the emissions in our supply chain, and regards the use of ammonia as a promising solution,” commented Cecilie Rønning, senior vice president

for Equinor’s joint operations support. “Viking Energy may become the first supply vessel in the world covering long distances fuelled by pure carbon-free ammonia.” It “If we solve this the ship industry will for the first time use a fuel that does not generate emissions during combustion. We have never before used a carbon-free fuel on a large vessel without range anxiety,”

concluded Henriette Undrum, Equinor’s head of future value chains, of the potential for another worldfirst for Equinor in its continued quest to reduce greenhouse gases and cut emissions, as oil and gas remain society’s primary energy sources for the foreseeable future.

WWW.EQUINOR.COM

www.emea-energy.net / 23

SEABASED

No Waves,

No Glory for Seabased

PRODUCTION: David Napier

Seabased - the Norwegian wave energy company - is on the cusp of something big. As it rides out stormy global economic conditions, this inventive organisation is ready to take the plunge into a renewable sector that is coming to the fore faster than ever before. Inking contracts around the world, Seabased is leading the push for wave power to make up more of the global energy mix. www.emea-energy.net / 25

INDUSTRY FOCUS: WAVE ENERGY

Two obvious trends in the global energy market – even in developing markets there is a desire to reduce emissions and reliability on fossil fuel powered generators, and despite its long-understood potential, wave power is now being taken seriously as a renewable energy generation option. In the past, wave power has been overlooked while the renewable industry has focused on solar, wind and, to some extent, tidal. It was classed as expensive and there was often a high risk of damage to equipment – even during testing. However, the potential of waves is now clearer than ever. The US Energy Information Administration suggested that, in 2017, wave power could have delivered 66% of the total generation if a tried and tested system was in place. Wave power has traditionally been more popular in Europe, but now major

26 / www.emea-energy.net

economies such as China, Australia, and the USA have started to seriously investigate potential. For island nations, this type of energy generation is obvious and has already proven successful. One company at the forefront is Seabased. Established in 2001, Seabased is a Norwegian-based business that was founded by noted Swedish scientist and inventor, Mats Leijon. For this exciting organisation, turning the immense power of waves into useable energy is not an idea, it is a must. Seabased wave parks produce electricity using unique wave energy converters (WECs) consisting of buoys which are connected to linear generators. The buoys move with the force of the waves, and the motion generates power. A switchgear then makes the electricity suitable for transmission for grid usage.

CARIBBEAN WAVES In May 2019, Seabased announced that it would create offshore wave parks, that could create renewable energy for the national grid, in the Caribbean. In partnership with Bermuda General Agency Ltd (BGA), Seabased would deliver two 20 MW wave energy parks; the first phase is a five MW plant in the Bahamas. Wendall Brown, CEO and Chairman of BGA welcomed the technology and ideas from Seabased. “We have long wrestled with limited energy supply and very high prices throughout the Caribbean,” Brown said. “We have relied primarily on fossil fuels which damage our environment and threaten our children’s future. Recognising the vast energy resource represented in the waves that roll onto our beaches every day, I have researched every opportunity to harness this energy. Seabased’s Ocean Wave Energy Solution

SEABASED

is not only the most efficient in the market, but it is also the most sustainable and economical.” The Caribbean represents a vast opportunity for the company with a

// THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO HELP ADVANCE THE EMERGING WAVE ENERGY SECTOR WHICH HAS SUCH POTENTIAL TO PROVIDE CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY TO THE WORLD //

population of more than 40 million across different islands. The number of people can swell with tourism figures boosting GDP, and in order to preserve the environment and natural beauty of the region, alternative sources of energy are being investigated as diesel generators become more and more unpopular. “BGA and its leadership are very forward-thinking and committed to protecting the environment of the Caribbean,” said Seabased Chairman, Øivind Magnussen. “We believe that Seabased’s technology, which has been developed over two decades, with 100+ unique patents, is a perfect option for islands like those in the Caribbean with desirable wave climates and a high need for energy. Yet it takes people with vision to help really bring wave energy into its proper place among renewables - BGA and its supporter, the Bank of Butterfield & Son, have that vision.”

ALWAYS INNOVATING At the beginning of 2020, in a move which would help the company innovate for the new decade, Seabased announced that it had entered a partnership with Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult to design a new software tool which will help Seabased to accurately simulate the performance of its systems in different wave environments. With projects scheduled in area across the world, this software is vital to ensure maximum efficiency. This partnership demonstrates the brilliant work that can be done when EU and UK organisations collaborate with a single shared vision. Seabased CEO Laurent Albert said: “With the ability to accurately simulate different wave environments from buoy to grid, we can tailor our wave parks to maximise system output, whether they are placed in the gentle Caribbean or

www.emea-energy.net / 27

INDUSTRY FOCUS: WAVE ENERGY

// CERTIFICATION IS A COMPLEX PROCESS THAT MARKS A NEW LEVEL OF MATURITY IN AN INDUSTRY WHOSE TIME HAS COME TO TAKE ITS PLACE AMONG RENEWABLES // the turbulent Atlantic. “We’re pleased to be partnering with ORE Catapult on this project as they have a strong track record of creating the kinds of simulations that we rely upon to reflect the actual conditions we’ll confront in all the markets we serve.” Simon Cheeseman, Wave and Tidal Sector Specialist at ORE Catapult, said: “ORE Catapult works with global leaders in offshore renewable energy and we’re looking forward to this project with

28 / www.emea-energy.net

Seabased on this novel and innovative design that we hope will contribute to accelerating the wave industry towards full-scale commercialisation.” The industry can expect the software development programme to be finalised in Q2 2020. CERTIFICATION The latest stage in Seabased’s progress comes in the form of certification for systems and projects. Full certification will allow the company to improve quality-controlled manufacturing and could result in many benefits in terms of cost, time, and job creation. Seabased has partnered with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and the pair will design a testing programme for state-of-theart wave-to-grid wave energy park technology. Following an EMEC review, recommendations will be made on how to meet certification standards in the most cost and time efficient manner. “EMEC is a premier facility and is accredited for marine energy testing. They understand our industry and we trust their expertise. Certification is

a complex process that marks a new level of maturity in an industry whose time has come to take its place among renewables. This partnership is one important step toward the realisation of that goal,” said Laurent Albert. Technical Manager at EMEC, Elaine Buck, said: “We are delighted to be working with Seabased. This is a great opportunity to help advance the emerging wave energy sector which has such potential to provide clean, renewable energy to the world. And it’s great to be working with a company that is advancing wave power and is so committed to delivering performance for its customers.” The Interreg North Sea Region Ocean Energy Scale-up Alliance (OESA) project is responsible for part funding the partnership, in line with its responsibility to accelerate the deployment of large scale marine energy pilots. GHANA Perhaps the biggest coup for Seabased over the past two years – and perhaps a major boost for the reputation of the

SEABASED

wave power industry globally – came in the form of a contract signed between Seabased and TC’s Energy, a Ghanaian renewable energy production business. The two companies agreed to install a 100 MW wave plant close to Ada. The project could provide power for thousands of Ghanaian homes from an almost invisible system, with no noise pollution, while creating an artificial reef for sea life. The zeroemission plant will act as an example of what is possible for many coastal cities – where wave power will become a real player in the future. At the contract signing in Brussels, Øivind Magnussen and TC’s Energy Chief Executive Officer Anthony Opoku,

// IT TAKES PEOPLE WITH VISION TO HELP REALLY BRING WAVE ENERGY INTO ITS PROPER PLACE AMONG RENEWABLES //

discussed the potential of wave energy. “This is a very exciting day for Seabased, and one both companies have been preparing for diligently for years. The necessary studies, permits and PPA are all in place, and we have the experience of a successful pilot under our belt. We feel well-prepared to step into this final phase of manufacturing and delivering the wave park,” said Magnussen. “We are proud to be working with TC’s Energy, a pioneer in the commercial development of the fantastic wave resource in Ghana,” he added. “This contract marks the culmination of a long process toward building Africa’s first utility scale wave park, and we hope will lead to the expansion of renewable energy across Ghana and West Africa. The commercial viability of Seabased’s mechanically simple, yet robust design appealed from the beginning. It is very well suited for the wave climate of Ghana,” said Opoku. Ocean Energy Europe, the industry organisation driving implementation of ocean energy technologies, commended both TC’s Energy and Seabased on completing the deal.

“This deal is a world first, and a bold step towards commercialization for wave energy,” said Rémi Gruet, Ocean Energy Europe CEO. “We applaud the Ghanaian government’s out-of-the-box thinking and visionary approach to electricity production. While at an early stage, ocean energy is already investigating global markets and benefiting both the EU and local economies through access to electricity, local jobs, and energy security.” With demands on the renewable energy sector growing, Seabased is perfectly positioned to take advantage of a market with a large need by deploying proven technology that can power cities without pollution. For this innovative and ambitious business, it’s anchors up and time to set sail – the waves will do their work 24/7, and that is all that is needed.

WWW.SEABASED.COM

www.emea-energy.net / 29

EDF ENERGY

No Bluster

In EDF’s Wind Proposals PRODUCTION: William Denstone

EDF is the UK’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity, meeting around one-fifth of the country’s demand and supplying millions of customers. It is leading the transition to a cleaner, low-emission electric future and tackling climate change in the UK, and at the vanguard of this drive is wind power. With around 1 GW already in operation and new projects constantly in the pipeline, EDF is using wind power and other renewable technologies to build a sustainable future.

While most of the UK was focussed on the disruption and destruction wrought by February’s Storm Ciara, the wind energy industry was in fact able to find some rare light in a dark situation. The surge in wind power was such that the UK witnessed the breaking of two records, as gusts of up to 97mph pounded the country. Amid electricity outages, flooding and travel chaos, wind hit a new record for instantaneous generation,

30 / www.emea-energy.net

as well as a new record for power produced in a day, dwarfing that set in December during the end of Storm Atiyah. At just before 2am on Saturday 8 February, wind turbines generated 56% of the country’s electricity nearly 15 GW of power, according to Drax Electric Insights. Throughout Saturday, wind power accounted for 44.26% of power produced, a second record which beat the previous high. Wind towered above all other forms of generation,

with nuclear providing 18.40% and gas just 17.73%. Eoghan Quinn, Global Offshore Wind Director at global energy services provider Worley said that he expects wind generation records to continue to fall during 2020. “It’s only a few weeks into 2020 and we’ve already seen wind make up nearly half of our generation demand which reinforces the fundamental opportunity of the energy transition,” he declared.

INDUSTRY FOCUS: RENEWABLES

WIND IN ITS SAILS EDF is leading the charge in building a sustainable energy future through renewable technologies, with wind power at the forefront. “We develop, build, operate and maintain wind farms and other renewable technologies throughout their lifetime,” EDF describes. “We own 36 wind farms – including two offshore wind farms – and one of the largest operational battery storage units in Europe.” EDF has made a name for itself as the energy colossus, and around a fifth of the UK’s electricity is generated by its eight nuclear power stations, helping to power homes and businesses. Now, EDF is investing in reliable low-carbon nuclear, alongside wind and solar power, to create a balanced energy mix and cut out polluting coal and gas. “Countries using renewable technologies, such as wind and solar, alongside low-carbon nuclear have successfully cut their emissions. We’re committed to investing in them all,” EDF underlines. EDF specialises in developing and building onshore and offshore wind farms, then operating and maintaining

them over their lifetime through its services division. “We also own Europe’s largest operational battery storage unit,” EDF adds, “a technology which is making renewables a more stable part of the energy mix.” The potential of wind power is enormous, helping to deliver clean energy to power homes across the UK. “We’re investing, innovating and providing some of the much needed new affordable, low carbon electricity to the UK,” says EDF, as a result. Emblematic of this commitment are the latest plans on EDF Renewables’s (EDF R) part to further boost its wind generating capacity, in the form of a new wind farm in Wales, where it already has two in operation. The Garn Fach wind farm will be developed in partnership with 14 local farming families, and will likely consist of up to 22 turbines, each producing around 5 MW. This total 110 MW will generate enough low carbon electricity for the domestic needs of around 66,000 households. Onshore wind is now one of the cheapest methods of generating renewable or low carbon energy, and Garn Fach will be developed without the

// GARN FACH WOULD MAKE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR EFFORTS TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE // need of public subsidy. EDF R is committed to an annual community benefit fund for Garn Fach of £5000 per MW, which, depending on the final capacity of the project, could translate to around £550,000 per year available for local causes. At a time of growing concern about climate change, both the UK and Welsh Governments have embraced tougher targets for carbon emissions reduction by 2050. The Welsh Government has a target for Wales to generate 70% of its electricity consumption from renewables by 2030, and in order to achieve this, more electricity will need to be generated from renewable and low carbon sources. “Garn Fach

32 / www.emea-energy.net

EDF ENERGY

would make a positive contribution to our efforts to tackle climate change, as well as delivering benefits to the community,” commented Mark VyvyanRobinson, Director of Development and Investments at EDF R. “We are pleased to be developing Garn Fach in partnership with 14 local farming families and hope that the wind farm will be seen as an asset in the community in our fight to tackle climate change.” LEADING IN LOW-CARBON As well as paving the way when it comes to renewables, EDF is also the UK’s largest low-carbon generator, and is seeking to lead the decarbonisation of the electricity sector and achieve worldleading excellence in nuclear energy.

// WE BELIEVE IN A DECARBONISED FUTURE AND ARE COMMITTED TO LEADING THE UK’S TRANSITION TO A SAFE, LOWCARBON ENERGY //

“We believe in a decarbonised future and are committed to leading the UK’s transition to a safe, low-carbon energy,” EDF declares. Heysham is the only site in the UK to have two operating nuclear power stations, and Heysham 2 power station recently saw one of the site’s reactors turned off for a planned £25m maintenance programme. The station’s regular 750 workforce will be doubled during this maintenance shutdown which supports the station’s plan to run until 2030. Heysham 2’s dual reactors generate enough low carbon electricity to power around two million homes which saves around eight million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, equivalent to removing 3.7m cars from Britain’s roads for a year. “These eight-week shutdowns are a key part of station life and support our plans to run for at least another decade,” summed up Mark Lees, station director at Heysham 2. “The shutdowns, which take around two years to plan, allow us to get into places we can’t when we are operating – including inside the reactor itself. But these things do not happen without lots of planning, investment and total commitment from a very professional team of people here at Heysham 2.” Making its way onto the roads

in support of Royal Mail Group’s commitment Optimise Prime, the world’s largest commercial electric vehicle project, EDF has committed to deliver electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to the owner of one of Europe’s largest fleets. The three-year framework will entail EDF providing charging points and associated maintenance, as well as ancillary items such as signs, bollards and wheel stops. Selecting EDF as its framework provider of choice embodies Royal Mail Group’s commitment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint, and the adoption of EVs across its business will play a key part in achieving its sustainability goals. “The fact that one of the largest fleet operators in Europe has committed to such an ambitious project is a turning point in our journey to a low-carbon future,” effused Philippe Commaret, Managing Director for Customers. “Working with Royal Mail to install EV infrastructure at their UK sites will allow them to accelerate towards an electric future, and hopefully inspire other businesses to follow suit.”

WWW.EDFENERGY.COM

www.emea-energy.net / 33

AKUO

Innovators By Nature PRODUCTION: Benjamin Southwold

Headquartered in Paris, the Akuo group is the renewable power company with a global presence. The major renewables player is the product of a combination of two key observations: “it is now possible for all of us to act to ensure we leave a better world for our children”, and, “renewable energy offers incredible growth potential in France and around the world.” Akuo is driven by these to bring renewables, in particular solar, to ever-more distant climes at ever-greater scales.

Solar power is a big deal in France. The country had reached a total installed capacity of over 9000 MW by the end of 2018, a figure giving it the capability to generate 10,196 GWh of power. 2015 saw France named the country with the seventh largest solar photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity in the world, with around 903 MW of new installations added during the year. 2019 was another productive year in growing its installed PV capacity, boosting its total by a further 890 MW to reach a cumulative 9.43 GW at the end of the year, according to data recently published by French renewable association SER, grid operator RTE and other government bodies.

REDOUBLING ITS EFFORTS While undeniably commendable, these efforts have still been under par compared with other major European markets, and France now has four years double its installed PV fleet. In recent years its notable annual additions not kept it in line with ambitious government plans after, and the current 9.43 GW market size places France a long distance from the 18-21 GW goal that, as SER and others have noted, the country is aiming to hit by 2023. These plans outline that installed PV must grow much further still after that milestone, reaching between 35.6 and 44.5 GW by 2028. To date it has been a decade of considerable, yet

unchanging annual growth; since 2012, yearly PV installations have invariably remained in the 500 MW-1.1 GW range. The renewed efforts on the part of Paris policymakers to quadruple capacity within less than a decade seek to align France with the growth which has, by contrast, sped up across most other leading European PV markets. Already responsible for some of the most historic renewable achievements in France and abroad, Akuo was created in 2007 by the founders of Perfect Wind, who a year earlier had sold their entire wind portfolio (600 MW) to Iberdrola, a global energy leader supplying energy to over 100 million people in the countries in which it operates.

www.emea-energy.net / 35

INDUSTRY FOCUS: RENEWABLES

As a player solely concerned with renewable energy, Akuo has diversified both in terms of the technologies under its command - which now number wind, solar, biomass cogeneration, hydro, marine thermal and its geographical spread. Akuo Energy France is the parent company and currently employs 60% of the group’s staff with all business areas represented. The teams at Akuo Energy France are responsible for developing the group’s business in mainland France and supporting its rapid international growth. At the end of 2019 Akuo had a presence in over fifteen locations around the world, continuing to follow a strategy that is defined as, “opportunistic and focused on niche markets.” Bringing in-house all the required expertise in development, contracts, financial engineering, construction and operation of its projects has granted Akuo operational independence. “Since its very early days,” says the group, “Akuo has been committed to developing and operating projects that go beyond simply producing renewable power and create additional social benefits for the inhabitants of the areas in which they are located.

36 / www.emea-energy.net

“This strategy has allowed Akuo to establish itself as one of the leading French independent producers of renewable energy in just a few short years.” SOLAR MASTER STROKES Photovoltaic panels were the first technology to have been developed under the Akuo Energy brand and still account for a sizeable share of the group’s capacity in operation, construction and financing. “A key technology in the future energy landscape,” Akuo enthuses, “solar power is a major focus for Akuo Energy, and a showcase for all the inventiveness and common sense of its teams.” In October, Akuo opened the most powerful floating solar PV plant in Europe in southern France, another glorious milestone in the development of solar energy and a big step toward fulfilling the country’s lofty renewable aims. The O’MEGA1 project is a 17 MW solar plant situated in Piolenc, near Orange and Avignon and is unique in several ways. As well as its unprecedented size, according to its promoters, the floating structure helps reduce conflicts over land use because it can be installed on

// SOLAR POWER IS A MAJOR FOCUS FOR AKUO ENERGY, AND A SHOWCASE FOR ALL THE INVENTIVENESS AND COMMON SENSE OF ITS TEAMS // drinking water reservoirs, industrial pools, flood plains or quarry lakes. The solar plant also innovates because it is the first time in France that local citizens have been invited to take a stake in the project, seeing capital opened to people who have a home in the Vaucluse or in neighbouring departments. “Today, as well as inaugurating Europe’s largest floating solar plant, we are showing that fighting climate change requires a collective effort,” said Eric Scotto, chairman and co-founder of Akuo Energy, the solar PV developer. “The aim of this approach is to encourage citizens to become involved in the financing of the energy transition using the region’s stakeholders.” In France, the potential of floating solar is estimated at 20 GW spread

AKUO

over as many as 1300 sites. These are mainly old industrial areas, hydropower dams and water reservoirs. “There is sufficient potential for us to develop the technology and replicate it on an industrial scale,” said Alexandra Sombsthay, Director at Akuo in charge of external relations. TAKING SOLAR GLOBAL Akuo’s solar projects around the world number 35 at present, and its voyage has taken it to number one in photovoltaic generation in both Corsica and Réunion. Akuo was last year awarded 370 MW (equivalent to 462,5 MWp) of the available 1400 MW of solar PV energy by the Portuguese State - a third of the national objective. This will be central to Akuo strengthening its presence in Portugal and reaffirming its intention of establishing a long-term presence in the country. Portugal has been lauded for a particularly proactive commitment to the development of renewable energies. The 370 MW (awarded to the Group

comprises three solar projects with a capacity of 150 MW, 120 MW and 100 MW respectively). Akuo then announced at the close of 2019 that it was to bring its second project to Tonga, alongside Tonga Power Limited, Tonga Islands grid’s public operator, signing an EPC for a 23.4 MWh / 6 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. Tonga 2, as it is named, is set to become the largest storage project in the South Pacific, with the exception of Hawaii. The electricity production of Tongatapu, Tonga’s biggest island, is mainly supplied by diesel power plants which total 14 MW production capacity; the renewable energy plants – three solar farms and one wind farm – make up for a total of 5.6 MW of the production. The penetration rate of renewable energies in the electricity mix is only 10%. The Kingdom of Tonga is committed to up this figure to 50% by 2020, and thereby save around 7 million litres of

// RENEWABLE ENERGY OFFERS INCREDIBLE GROWTH POTENTIAL IN FRANCE AND AROUND THE WORLD // fuel per year for electricity production. “As of today,” declared Jean Ballandras, Akuo’s Asia Pacific CEO, “Tonga will be able to deploy renewable energy at a much faster pace and we are thankful to both the Asian Development Bank and the Green Climate Fund for accompanying us.”

WWW.AKUOENERGY.COM

www.emea-energy.net / 37

EXHIBITION CALENDAR

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS THE INDUSTRY Our regular update to help you keep track of important events and exhibitions taking place across the energy industry. WOMEN IN ENERGY CONFERENCE MAR 03 | SOUTH AFRICA The Women in Energy Conference has been designed to aid the increase in leadership and development of women involved in the African energy space. This one-day forum will provide a platform for women to network, share their knowledge, discuss achievements and encourage the advancement of women across all sectors of the energy industry. The conference will cover areas like knowledge of how men and women can join forces to create the workplace of the future, insights into the success factors of women in the C-suite and input into continuing research, a new approach to assimilating a new generation of women leaders into companies. MIDDLE EAST REFINING TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE MAR 02 - 04 | BAHRAIN The Middle East Refining Technologies Conference (MERTC), taking place at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain is recognised as a truly regional event in the Middle East, bringing together the region’s downstream community to collaborate and learn about the latest technological developments and strategies that will drive and shape the industry in 2020. Back for its fourth year, the core

38 / www.emea-energy.net

WOMEN IN ENERGY CONFERENCE CAPE TOWN ICC, SOUTH AFRICA MAR 03 PROSPECTS FOR HIGH GAIN INERTIAL FUSION ENERGY MEETING THE ROYAL SOCIETY, LONDON, UK MAR 02 – 03

theme for MERTC 2020 is how Refineries and Petrochemical Plants in the Middle East can remain competitive in a downstream industry that is in a state of flux. With the topic of the energy transition gaining increasing prominence in downstream, MERTC will look into the circular economy and the role of integration as refinery and petrochemical stakeholders will need to adapt their approach and review their technologies.

MIDDLE EAST REFINING TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN MAR 02 - 04

ENEX INTERNATIONAL POWER INDUSTRY FAIR FEB 26 – 27 | KIELCE, POLAND The upcoming expo which is the one-stop-shop for showcase for power engineering and energy sector - ENEX and ENEX New Energy is on the horizon. The previous trade fairs’ exhibitors have already confirmed their participation at Kielce events - not only do they represent Poland, but also from Germany, the Czech Republic and China. ENEX and ENEX New Energy; the expos have advanced to become one of Poland’s largest events in the energy sector. Each year the events cluster attracts thousands of visitors interested in broadly defined energy sector. 6000 guests were brought together for last year’s event. The upcoming expo already promises to be equally interesting.

ENEX INTERNATIONAL POWER INDUSTRY FAIR TARGI KIELCE S.A., POLAND FEB 26 - 27

ENERGY FROM WASTE CONFERENCE AMERICA SQUARE CONFERENCE CENTRE, LONDON, UK MAR 04 - 05

GEOTHERM EXPO EXHIBITION CENTER, OFFENBURG, GERMANY MAR 05 – 06 INTERNATIONAL BIOMASS EXPO TOKYO INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTER (TOKYO BIG SIGHT) MAR 03 - 05

DESIGN.BUILD.CONNECT. Jan De Nul Group offers specialized services for the installation of subsea structures for oil, gas and renewable energy industries. They comprise seabed preparation, trenching, stabilization and ballasting and can be related to subsea pipelines, cables, umbilicals, foundations or platforms. In addition, Jan De Nul Group also installs cables and umbilicals for these three offshore industries. These types of services are offered on an EPC basis and are always tailor-made to the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific wishes.