Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) together with Siemens Energy have today (22 February) announced the successful demonstration of running an aero-derived gas turbine on green methanol. The world first pilot, at the RWG facility in Aberdeen, creates the potential for significant reductions in offshore CO2 emissions.
Siemens Energy bio-methanol pilot. Image Credit: Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC)
The use of green methanol could cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 75% compared to conventional fuels across the UKCS. Today’s successful pilot marks a key milestone in NZTC’s ETF Alternative Fuel for Gas Turbines project. It aims to pilot and develop a cost-effective, retrofittable solution for existing gas turbines to help decarbonise the power generation sector across Scotland’s oil and gas operations. This successful pilot paves the way for existing offshore assets to operate using low carbon fuels without extensive modifications.
If adopted this approach will help the energy industry reach net-zero targets and provide significant domestic and export potential. The energy transition presents an opportunity for job creation and economic growth – this project will continue to strengthen the UK, and especially Scotland, as the leader in innovative, low carbon energy systems and will help reach UK’s ambitious net-zero targets.
The ETF Alternative Fuel Gas Turbine project is one of seven projects being delivered through the centre’s Net Zero Technology Transition Programme (NZTTP), which was awarded £16.5 million from the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund to transform the North Sea energy system.
Charlie Booth, Project Manager, from Net Zero Technology Centre commented: “The ETF Alternative Fuels Gas Turbine project identified green methanol as a strong contender for a clean, low-carbon transition fuel for offshore power generation. This pilot unit takes us one-step closer to proving the viability of green methanol as a fuel for aero-derived turbines to reduce offshore emissions and strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in low energy systems.”
Steve Scrimshaw, Vice President, Siemens Energy UK&I said: “The North Sea presents a sea of possibilities for the energy transition. By modernising existing assets and testing new technologies and fuels we can transform the existing oil and gas sector whilst at the same time protecting and creating jobs. Building a fully renewable energy infrastructure will take time but this project shows that we can make immediate changes today that will significantly reduce emissions.”