North Sea to see increase in gas production with new electric-powered compressor
(WO) – North Sea Midstream Partners (NSMP) has announced the successful start-up of a new onshore electric-drive compressor at its Teesside Gas Processing Plant (TGPP). Delivered in partnership with INEOS and ONE-Dyas U.K. Limited, this improvement will substantially increase gas flows from the INEOS-operated Breagh field, securing domestic supplies for U.K. homes and businesses.
As well as bolstering domestic energy security for years to come, provision of this onshore compression service will support a smooth and managed energy transition, providing a stable supply of energy while waiting for renewable energy sources to be integrated into the grid.
Electric powered compressors have a much-reduced emissions footprint compared to the gas alternative. This means Breagh, located 65 km off the coast of England, in the Southern North Sea, and its associated export route to TGPP will continue to be among the North Sea’s lowest carbon intensity fields.
Gas from the Breagh field is exported through the 110-km Breagh pipeline to TGPP – which is owned and operated by NSMP – where gas is processed and delivered into the National Transmission System (NTS).
“This project is testament to what can be achieved when the energy industry collaborates, and I would like to thank INEOS for providing the opportunity for us to play our part in this major boost to the U.K.’s domestic gas supply," said Sayma Cox, CEO of NSMP.
“The midstream sector is the backbone of the North Sea energy sector, providing a critical link in the energy supply chain by safely transporting and processing gas from the North Sea to heat homes and power the economy. Gas is also an enabler for energy transition, and this new electric compressor will ensure it can be extracted with as low a carbon intensity as possible, bolstering the U.K.’s energy security,” Cox added.
The Breagh Compression Project was a collaborative effort involving a multi-company team, integrating personnel from INEOS, NSMP and px Group.
NSMP owns nearly 600 km of gas pipelines in the North Sea capable of supplying up to a quarter of UK gas demand, making it the largest and most diversified gas transportation and processing system in the UK.
Located at Seal Sands, TGPP is at the heart of the Teesside integrated energy network and has among the highest liquid extraction rate capabilities in Europe, with two trains that process gas from the Central and Southern North Sea. TGPP is capable of meeting up to 10% of the UK’s gas demand, with a combined capacity of 675 MMcfg per day.
