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NEWS & INSIGHTS | article

Assessing future energy hubs in Shetland

10 June 2022 3 minute read

Worley, VOAR and Wood Mackenzie have delivered a study for the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) and Shetland Islands Council, which assesses how creating energy hubs in Shetland could support the energy transition.

The Shetland and North East Scotland Techno Economic Study supports Shetland’s Opportunity for Renewable Integration with Offshore Networks (ORION) project.

The study evaluates the technical and economic potential of different low-carbon technology options. These include carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), onshore, fixed, and floating offshore wind, blue and green hydrogen production, tidal stream, and onshore and offshore electrification of multiple existing assets. It also provides recommendations for future research, including conducting more pipeline and infrastructure studies, alternative fuels feasibility studies, and collaborative planning to support the skills transition.  

Worley performed the technical components of the study that defined and examined key energy transition opportunities for power generation. This determined the technical and economic potential of different low-carbon technology options to support future business and investment cases for a decarbonized energy landscape in Shetland.

The study was supported by analysts at Wood Mackenzie, who performed economic modeling and analysis of energy transition opportunities. While experts at VOAR provided detailed technical information and advice from a local Shetland perspective.

“This study directly supports NZTC’s efforts in accelerating the energy transition and Worley’s purpose of delivering a more sustainable world. It’s a great example of industry collaboration, one of the key shifts detailed in our joint paper with Princeton University, US, From ambition to reality,” said Kirsten Oliver, Vice President – Specialist Technical Solutions at Worley.

“While the study was created to research the green energy potential of the North-East and Shetland, what it delivered brought into focus the incredible economic opportunity of a strategic approach to delivering a low-carbon future across the nation. The study’s findings have already shaped other projects across Scotland, accelerating key technologies and shaping innovative thinking to make the future ambition tomorrow’s reality,” said Darren Gee, Project Manager, NZTC.

“I welcome the completion of this essential research work for the ORION project. The Techno-Economic Study’s conclusions emphasize that future energy opportunities in and around Shetland are real and substantive, particularly for transitioning to green hydrogen production in the Islands. And should be advanced through more detailed investigations and engagement with the Shetland community,” said Douglas Irvine, Executive Manager – Future Fuels at Shetland Islands Council

“Wood Mackenzie’s involvement in the ORION project directly aligns with our mission to transform the way we power our planet. By partnering with organizations such as Worley and NZTC and governments, we strive to inspire better decision-making when it comes to the energy transition,” said Malcolm Forbes-Cable, Vice President, Energy Consulting at Wood Mackenzie.

The Shetland and North East Scotland Techno Economic Study can be accessed here: https://www.netzerotc.com/reports-publications/shetland-and-north-east-scotland-techno-economic-study/

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