A Structured Approach to Energy Optimisation in Projects
Decarbonisation of heat, power and transportation is arguably one of the biggest challenges facing the energy industry. The future may bring fundamental changes to the way that energy is produced, transmitted and used. The path to decarbonisation will however be incremental and today’s industry plays its part through optimised energy use and improved energy efficiency.
This paper discusses a structured approach to energy optimisation throughout a project’s lifecycle, ensuring energy aspects are given appropriate consideration alongside other key drivers such as safety and environmental performance, process operability, plant reliability and product quality.
Consideration of energy aspects in an oil & gas project can start at an early stage when evaluating development options; be underpinned by optimal technology selection, system design and energy integration in the design phase; continue through procurement of energy efficient equipment; and be validated through confirmation of performance once in operation.
In addition to improving sustainability, reducing use of energy resources and other raw materials, best practice in energy optimisation can improve project value through reduced capital and/or operating costs. In a typical example of NGL extraction process development, increased liquids production, reduced power consumption and lower overall capital cost were all achieved through process and energy optimisation.
