OTC 2022: How BP is Optimizing Gulf of Mexico for Net-zero World

HOUSTON—To reach net-zero emissions by 2050, BP Plc is measuring the actual emissions, rather than basing plans on calculations, according to Starlee Sykes, senior vice president for Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and Canada at BP. 

The first step is to have “accurate methane measurement on all operations so we’re clear on where our emissions come from,” Sykes said May 2. “Once we understand better where it’s coming from, the better we can apply technology to reduce it.” 

During a keynote presentation at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), Sykes said the operator had carried out comprehensive energy studies at all four of its producing hubs in the GoM. And through those studies, BP determined that most of the emissions came from rotating equipment that powers the facilities, flaring and the logistics fleet.

“How we optimize all those areas is critical to making improvements,” Sykes said.

For example, she said, BP is considering things like biofuels for the logistics fleet. Also under consideration are electrification and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). 

Oil and gas are expected to remain critical components of the energy system for years to come, so BP wants to further lower its carbon footprint while still increasing production rates, Sykes said.

BP is using seismic to identify new volumes. Another way is through development infill projects to tie new wells into existing infrastructure, she said. As part of that effort, the operator has several tiebacks to production hubs in the GoM, including last year’s startup of the Manuel tieback to Na Kika.

BP also is focused on optimizing systems to improve the reliability of assets, she said.

In terms of system optimization, she said, a better understanding of how the fluids flow can yield better results. And digital technologies are helping with that. Automation and more quickly processing data such as seismic imaging are important, she said.

Digital technologies help make better and faster decisions, she said. 

“It goes throughout all of our work processes and workflows,” she said.

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