Subsurface solutions for Norway's offshore challenges

The Center for Subsurface Research (CSSR) emphasizes the vital role of subsurface research in driving Norway's continental shelf energy transition.

Like the rest of the world, Europe and Norway are facing a simultaneous energy and climate crisis.

– At CSSR we know that subsurface research is crucial to enabling the energy transition on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS), says Sarah Gasda, Centre Director, Centre for Sustainable Subsurface Resources (CSSR).

Fifty per cent of the NCS fields are expected to be fully electric by 2030. Eliminating offshore emissions will bring important climate benefits, but the industry will be challenged by this new way of powering operations according to Gasda.

With renewables comes variability and uncertainty in energy supply, and the consequences for the subsurface are not fully understood.

– We approach this by working towards understanding how operators best can implement clean energy sources based on each asset’s unique underground situation, says Gasda.

Unlocking new value streams

CSSR will also explore new ways of using the subsurface to store clean energy to help balance the local energy needs of an offshore energy system.

By solving the local net-zero challenges for offshore operations the NCS can also be a springboard for unlocking new value streams for the industry.

– We are really excited about the fast-growing carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry and want to help make the NCS an attractive option for European industries looking for ways to decarbonize quickly. CSSR will help leverage the knowledge and investments connected to old hydrocarbon reservoirs to repurpose these fields for large-scale carbon storage, Gasda explains.

Meeting point Bergen

September 12th-13th 2023 they host the CSSR’s annual conference in Bergen.

This event brings together researchers, international collaborators, industry partners and other Norwegian stakeholders to share the latest updates on technology developments and new concepts within subsurface research that can facilitate the energy transition on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).

Keynote speakers will highlight political, operational and scientific perspectives of electrification and together we will explore the consequences of switching to variable/uncertain renewable energy supply to power offshore operations and the opportunities for strengthening the competitiveness of the Norwegian energy sector.

Together with invited talks from international research partners together with key researchers from the research consortium the seminar will also showcase the full depth of the results obtained so far and how this is aligned with the ambitious research program for the coming years.

For any questions about the conference you can contact Sarah Gasda.