Renewable Energy Applications in Remote and Unmanned Locations

Renewable energy sources can be effectively utilised in remote or unmanned locations where conventional energy is not desirable or feasible.

Here are some key applications:

Unmanned offshore platforms: The world's first unmanned High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) offshore platform has been installed at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. This innovative platform is designed to be operated remotely from shore, eliminating the need for personnel to stay on-site. It uses wind energy to generate power, which is then converted and transmitted back to shore efficiently over long distances.

Remote oil wells: Solar power can be an excellent renewable energy source for remote oil wells. Solar panels can be installed to power monitoring equipment, pumps, and other essential machinery at the well site. This eliminates the need for frequent fuel deliveries and reduces operational costs.

Remote pipe corrosion protection: Cathodic protection systems for pipelines in remote areas can be powered by solar panels or small wind turbines. These renewable sources can provide a consistent power supply for the corrosion protection equipment, ensuring the longevity of the pipeline infrastructure.

Offshore wind farms: Wind turbines themselves serve as both the energy generation source and the power supply for their own monitoring and control systems. Drones are increasingly being used for inspection and maintenance of these structures, further reducing the need for human presence.

Solar farms in remote areas: Large-scale solar farms can be established in remote locations to generate power. With an average of 4-5 acres needed to produce 1MW of power (enough for about 650 homes), solar farms can provide significant energy output.

Hybrid power systems: For more reliable power supply in remote locations, hybrid systems combining multiple renewable sources (such as solar, wind, and fuel cells) can be employed. These systems often include energy storage solutions like batteries or supercapacitors to ensure continuous power availability.

Tethered UAVs for temporary power: In some cases, tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used to provide temporary power or communication links in remote areas.

The use of renewable energy in these applications offers several advantages:

• Reduced operational costs due to lower maintenance requirements and no fuel transportation needs
• Improved safety by minimising human presence in hazardous or hard-to-reach locations
• Enhanced environmental sustainability
• Increased reliability in areas where grid power is unavailable or unreliable

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of renewable energy in remote and unmanned locations across the energy sector.

JCE Energy’s Expertise in Offshore Solar and Hybrid Power Systems

At JCE Energy, we have demonstrated significant expertise in the design and implementation of both offshore solar power systems and hybrid power systems. Our projects highlight the successful integration of solar energy into offshore platforms, showcasing the tangible benefits of this renewable energy source. For instance, the solar power system installed at the South N’dola wellhead platform exemplifies how offshore solar power systems can effectively reduce emissions and operational costs while enhancing energy reliability.

Similarly, our hybrid power systems for offshore wellhead platforms in Indonesia combine solar power with other renewable sources, ensuring a consistent and reliable energy supply even in challenging marine environments. This project required us to manufacture and deliver a Zone 1 Hybrid Power System with an installed capacity of 20kW, comprising a Zone 2 wind turbine, solar panels, and battery enclosures, alongside Zone 1 battery isolators and a solar/wind controller package. This standalone installation provides reliable power in both wind and sunlight, and also during periods of darkness, shade, and limited UV, while being fully autonomous, thus generating significant cost savings due to minimal maintenance and inspection requirements.

To tackle the challenge of powering an unmanned oil production rig offshore Norway, our modular solar power package was designed and manufactured to support essential operational loads like well monitoring, eliminating the need for diesel generators and fuel tanks, while enabling secure, reliable remote communications and powering Navigational Aids, enhancing the platform's safety and operational efficiency.

These projects underscore the potential for offshore solar power systems and hybrid power systems to transform energy production in the oil and gas industry, driving progress towards a more sustainable future.

For more information on Renewable Energy Applications in Remote and Unmanned Locations talk to JCE Energy