The Journey Towards Net Zero Emissions for the Second Largest Asset in Petroleum Development Oman

Abstract

The world has been suffering from Green House Gases (GHG) emissions for years in the past and for years to come. Governments have started to show their real commitment through Carbon Tax, Energy Transition plans and more renewables and cleaner energy sources to replace the carbon intensive operations [1-2]. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has pledge to have a Net Zero emissions by 2050 with an aspirational target to reduce 50% of the current emissions by 2030. Asset M has gone through a regress assessment and opportunity identification workshops to pinpoint the strategic directions moving forward to meet that aspiration. Asset M is the 2nd Largest asset in PDO in terms of Oil and Water production. Over 0.9 mln bbls of Water are recycled on daily basis with around 54 MWs of power consumed. In line with PDO aspiration towards NZE, Asset M has pledge to reduce its emissions from Scope 1 & 2 by 50% in 2030 and net zero by 2050. As of today, Asset M is the most energy efficient asset in PDO with a GHG intensity of 0.12 t/t. The objective of this paper is to shed light on some of the best practices followed to achieve reduction in Energy consumption and GHGE in general. In 2019, Asset M emissions were estimated around 0.55 mln_tCO2e, these are mainly linked to power consumptions (70%) and flaring (15%). Due to the large Growth planned in HCM, Asset M is expected to grow additional 0.25 mln_tCO2e by 2030. To align with PDO NZE by 2050, the team took the lead to build a sustainable GHG reduction road map. The work has been structured under the Strategic A3 approach with clear metrics and timelines. A simple approach was developed to focus on the top 4 main themes: Flaring, Power consumption, Portfolio assessment and EE Awareness. Well Reservoir & Facility Management (WRFM) in addition to Fail-Less initiative were key in reducing the energy consumption from Artificially Lifted wells by the means of Conversion to a more Energy efficient Artificial-Lift types such as PCP/Rotaflex systems, PMM motors and more. cEOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) is another front that has proven successful improvement not only in increasing the oil production but also in reducing the GHGE. Field-A Polymer set a record emission intensity in PDO with average of 0.03 tCO2e/tHC. Asset M is leading the Polymer thematic study to accelerate cEOR across Multiple fields in South leading to further GHGE reduction. A black belt (6-Sigma as part of Lean projects) was initiated in 2021 to investigate the possibility of reducing the energy consumption of the DWD pumps which are contributing 30% to Asset M energy consumption. The project managed to slash the consumption of these pumps by 25% (4 MW). This approach has paved the way for additional scope across PDO with additional 10-15 MW reduction with zero Cost.