Oil & Gas Innovation OGI Autumn 2019 | Page 59

ASIA PACIFIC - NEWS Singapore Selects KBR and Argus for Major Hydrogen Feasibility Study K BR (NYSE: KBR) and Argus announced that they have been awarded a contract to conduct a feasibility study on hydrogen imports and downstream applications for Singapore. The project was commissioned by the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), Strategy Group, in the Prime Minister’s Office in Singapore, in conjunction with the Singapore Economic Development Board and Energy Market Authority. One of the key objectives of the study is to assess the feasibility of hydrogen for long-term cost-competitive emissions reduction in Singapore. KBR and Argus will conduct market and technical studies covering potential sources of hydrogen imports to Singapore based on availability, cost, technical feasibility and supply security up to 2050. Hydrogen generation may include fossil fuel-based production methods in the short term and new, low-carbon or green forms of generation in the long term. Argus’ expertise in energy markets and large-scale energy transitions will be used to quantify the potential for a switchover from conventional, fossil fuel technologies to the hydrogen alternative. Competition from newer technologies, such as battery electric vehicles and solar photovoltaics, will also be reviewed. The detailed analysis will inform Singapore’s policy makers about the most balanced approach to decarbonizing the economy across the different sectors. KBR will run a series of workshops and consultation sessions with key stakeholders that are critical to the deployment of imported hydrogen in Singapore, including representatives from the hydrogen supply, manufacturing, power generation and transport sectors. KBR will also recommend research, development and deployment (RD&D) investment opportunities for Singapore to develop a competitive hydrogen economy in the long term. “We are delighted to be part of this strategic project supporting a prestigious partner to explore the potential of using hydrogen as a sustainable source of energy for Asia Pacific,” said Jay Ibrahim, KBR President, Energy Solutions – Services. “The work will be undertaken by KBR Consulting, where our strategic master-planning capability resides to help customers improve their sustainability, energy efficiency and maximize asset performance.” Archer Granted Extension on Aker BP’s Valhall and Ula Platforms Argus Media Chairman and Chief Executive Adrian Binks said: “We are delighted to be working with KBR on this interesting and important project. Argus’ consulting team is well placed to research and advise on the possibility of extending hydrogen use in Singapore.” O KBR applies its extensive knowledge of energy markets and its proprietary tools to offer sound insight into the viability, technical feasibility, economic, climate and environmental benefits of a project as well as the potential opportunities and challenges. Customers trust KBR to provide the data and analysis necessary to mitigate risks and meet objectives. • Archer said on Tuesday that the new contract is scheduled to start on October 1, 2019, in direct continuation of the existing contract. il services company Archer has been awarded a 15-month extension to its existing platform drilling and maintenance services contract for Aker BP’s Valhall and Ula platforms on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. This extension ensures continuity of platform drilling operations and maintenance management services on the Aker BP platforms until the end of 2020, Archer added. The Ula field is located in the southern part of the North Sea, and consists of three platforms. The field center serves as an area hub for the satellite field Tambar, and as a third-party host for the Oselvar and Blane fields. Valhall is a giant oilfield in the southern Norwegian North Sea. Production started in 1982 and following commissioning of the new PH platform in 2013 the field now has the potential to continue producing for several decades. Eirik Windegaard, Country Manager Platform Drilling Norway, commented: “Our dedicated operations, maintenance and engineering teams have supported the Ula field since 1986 and the Valhall field since 2001. “Our strong partnership with Aker BP, coupled with our commitment, integrity, and best in class operational performance has resulted in this contract extension. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Aker BP, especially supporting the robotics project that has the potential to define the future for rig design and operation.” • 59