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TTA8 – Gas technologies points out the various routes Norway can follow to capitalise on the vast resources of natural gas that will be produced in the years to come by developing a strong technology and competence platform. A broad view is taken for the value creation having as basis the continued gas export from NCS to Europe, but also a strong focus on development of gas resources in other parts of the world. The latter can also be seen as part of international positioning for upstream resources and does also include involvements in projects, and export of technology and products. The TTA has structured the analysis into 3 main areas:
• Gas transport and processing (pipeline, LNG, other)
• Gas conversion to fuels, chemicals and materials
• CO2 management
In this report, for each of these areas, scenarios based on a gap analysis are presented. One of the key goals has been to identify pacing and emerging technologies for the next 20 years. Based on this, technologies have been mapped according to importance for future competitiveness and technology ambitions. This also includes primary funding responsibilities (public and/or industry). The roadmap below reflects the key issues in the proposed strategy.
The base level of the figure explains areas that will have to be pursued to maintain Norway’s role as a key gas and gas technology
provider. The second layer represents near term options and possibilities with a reasonable risk profile that could further
enhance the Norwegian position given the resources and drive to further develop this industry. As the top layer we have selected
some of our “dreams”, what we may achieve if a progressive approach is followed with a strongly innovation based policy.
It is acknowledged by the TTA that Norway cannot be a leading technology player in all aspects of the gas value chain. For some technologies we should be an active player and developer, whilst for other technologies we should become a competent buyer and user. This philosophy is reflected in the recommendations given with respect to R&D priorities
Key issues within Gas Transport and Processing are optimised operations, capacity utilization and cost effectiveness in existing
infrastructure through e.g. improved methods for maintenance, energy efficiency programs, handling of trace components in
gas streams (H2S, CO2, Methanol) and more efficient extraction of heavy components (NGL, LPG). Furthermore, we need to develop
a robust technology basis for non-pipeline transportation of gas from regions that are not accessible today by pipeline infrastructure.
This includes Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Heavy Liquefied Gas (HLG), Natural Gas Hydrates (NGH)
for transport, and the like. The versatility of these technologies for new regions (e.g. Arctic and remote areas) needs to
be researched and improved.
For Gas conversion to fuels, chemicals and materials it is expected that the existing Norwegian gas based industry, incl.
petrochemicals, will be developed further and key issues in this regard are increased unit capacities and increased energy
efficiency. It is also expected that this industry will expand further internationally. Pacing technologies within gas conversion
are Gas to Liquids (GTL) and Gas to Olefins (GTO) with Norwegian companies as leading players technologically and commercially.
It is a possibility that in countries with strong national petroleum companies, participation in downstream business development
will strengthen tha position for access to upstream assets. GTL and GTO are good examples of this. Other pacing and emerging
areas are offshore gas conversion to transportable liquids as well as new direct conversion routes to products, hydrogen as
energy carrier and gas conversion in Arctic areas. New products where gas is feed stock are likely to occur in the future,
one example is nano materials.
CO2 management encompasses improved energy efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions, CO2 removal from natural gas to meet gas sales specifications, and carbon dioxide capture, transport and storage (CCS) technologies. Amongst prioritized areas are geological storage both in saline aquifers and in depleting oil and gas reservoirs (EOR or EGR). We need to develop CCS technology at competitive costs and acceptable environmental standards. We need methods to manage risks and to do accounting, verification and monitoring of CO2 emissions and emission reductions along the CO2 value chain. There is a need to further develop and increase our competence for predicting permeability, integrity and capacity of formations. Important areas are good geological reservoir models for combined optimization of EOR effect and storage of CO2, as well as topside modifications/management of back-produced CO2. The development and management of a CO2 infrastructure is key to successful CCS. CO2 capture technologies for fossil fuel power generation is emphasised as an area where Norway needs to continue its efforts, and smaller pilots and full-scale demonstration plants should be established. The same is the case for energy efficiency – where improved process optimisation and control is key offshore and onshore.
TTA8 - Technology strategy for Gas Technologies
Arne Grislingås, StatoilHydro (LP) agri@statoilhydro.com
•Anne-Mette Hilmen, Shell anne-mette.hilmen@shell.com
•Etop Esen, ConocoPhillips etop.esen@conocophillips.com
•Hans Jørgen Dahl, Gassco hjd@gassco.no
•Oscar Graff, AkerKværner Oscar.Graff@akerkvaerner.com
••Nils A. Røkke, Sintef Nils.a.rokke@sintef.no
•Stein Bjørnar Jensen, DNV stein.bjornar.jensen@dnv.com
