Marlink has upgraded its smart hybrid VSAT installation on PGS Ramform Hyperion to provide higher uplink speeds for offshore geophysical data transmission. The upgrade allows for GEO VSAT in excess of 250 Mbps, enabling instant data transfer from the ship to its landside headquarters. The upgrade reflects the high value of survey 3D, high-density 3D or 4D seafloor imaging generated by the vessel. Instant data transfer is transformative for PGS’s ability to quickly move large amounts of seismic data to the cloud.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 10 ocean energy-related research projects to receive $1.3 million in funding. These projects will gain access to testing expertise, numerical modeling, laboratory testing, tank/tank testing and expertise within the TEAMER facility network. Applications for RFTS 12 are now open and the TEAMER program aims to accelerate the viability of marine renewable energy by providing the best facilities and expertise.
The Viking Link, the world's longest land and submarine power interconnector, is operational and carries electricity between the UK and Denmark. The $2.15 billion project, a joint venture between National Grid and Danish system operator Energinet, will connect Bicker Fen substation in Lincolnshire to Revsing substation in southern Jutland. The line will be able to carry enough electricity for up to 2.5 million British homes, saving British consumers more than £632 million ($500 million) cumulatively over the next decade thanks to cheaper power imported from Denmark. Construction began in 2019 and took more than 4 million man-hours.
TechnipFMC has been awarded a “significant” integrated engineering, procurement, construction and installation (iEPCI) contract by Petrobras for the delivery of the Mero 3 HISEP project in Brazil’s pre-salt fields. The contract covers the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of subsea equipment, including manifolds, pipelines, umbilicals, distribution and field service life. The contract is worth more than $1 billion and complies with research and development guidelines set by Petrobras. TechnipFMC has advanced the qualification of the core technologies required to fully subsea deliver the HISEP process, including gas separation systems and dense gas pumps.
Tracerco has secured a million-dollar contract in the Gulf of Mexico to deploy its pipeline inspection technology Discovery on multiple oil and gas platforms. The project is part of an agreement between three major U.S. oil and gas companies that operate different risers on multiple platforms. Developed using subsea CT scanning technology to provide critical flow assurance and integrity data without coating removal, Discovery is already in use on more than 100 oil and gas assets around the world.
The informal agreement outlines a revised Building Energy Performance Directive that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sector by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The directive requires all new buildings to achieve zero emissions and existing buildings to achieve zero emissions by 2030. Transform buildings to be zero-emission by 2050. The deadline for public buildings is 2028. The directive also requires EU member states to phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling, with the goal of phasing out fossil fuel boilers by 2040.
Vienna is building Europe's largest green heat pump system and aims to become climate neutral by 2040. The scheme, which uses heat from wastewater at the Ebswien purification plant and electricity from the Freudenau hydroelectric power plant, is a pioneering initiative in Europe. The first phase of the project, which will cost around €70 million, will provide district heating to 56,000 homes. The three remaining large heat pumps are expected to double the system capacity by 2027, providing climate-neutral heating to 112,000 homes. Vienna's heating network is one of the largest in Europe.
Bulgaria is focusing on energy storage in its energy transition, investing in battery production plants and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to promote the establishment of hydrogen valleys. Sofia-based startup Hydrogenera has signed its first contract for a 1-MW electrolyser capable of producing 200 cubic meters of hydrogen per hour, or 436 kilograms of hydrogen per day. The company is part of the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance and the Hydrogen Global Initiative. The 1 MW electrolyser is expected to be delivered by the beginning of the second quarter at the latest. Hydrogenera has a 200 kW flagship model with an efficiency of 85%. The company raised €2 million a year ago and is considering an initial public offering next year.
Portland Trust has sold rights to a 255 MW photovoltaic investment project in Romania’s Corbii Mari commune to Nofar Energy. The deal is worth more than €120 million and is expected to start next year with annual production of 362 GWh. Nofar Energy is an Israeli company with a portfolio of operational and renewable energy projects under development in Romania, including the country’s largest photovoltaic plant. Portland Trust is also involved in other major solar power investments in Romania, including the Vişina photovoltaic system and the Otenia 1.5 GW solar power scheme. The deal is expected to support Romania’s national decarbonization strategy.
HyHome is Australia's first hydrogen-powered home, equipped with a hydrogen-powered hot water system, heating, stove and barbecue facilities. The Australian Government's National Hydrogen Strategy has identified hydrogen in the gas grid as a priority area for research, trial and demonstration programmes. HyHome equips the domestic market with 100% hydrogen-compatible appliances. However, challenges in blending hydrogen into the gas grid include allocating the resources required, ensuring compatibility with current gas grid pipes and fittings, and addressing safety concerns. The Australian Hydrogen Center reports that a 100% hydrogen network would reduce network capacity by 13%.