Maximizing Value From D Field Via Safeguarding Hub Reserves and Resources For Sustainable Supply and CCS Development To Peninsular Malaysia Ecosystem

Abstract D Hub is one of the key offshore gas hubs currently receiving gas from several producing fields for onward supply to domestic Peninsular Malaysia customers via an existing onshore gas terminal and pipeline network. Due to production decline as well as techno-commercial challenges of future field tie-ins, D Hub was expected to reach its Minimum Compressor Limit (MCL) of 70 MMscf/d by end of 2022 below which the hub is no longer operable. Recognizing the impending cessation of D Hub and storage availability in the range of 1.2 – 1.7 Bscf at its depleted anchor field, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has been identified as a promising option to repurpose the gas hub into a CCS hub. Moreover, interests in low carbon industry are accelerating in Malaysia, with CCS as one of the key enablers to meet Net Zero Carbon Emission (NZCE) commitments. The technical team has also identified seven (7) solutions ranging from short-, mid- and long-term to further sustain D Hub existing operations either by lowering down its turndown limit and/or maturing new gas supply developments. The success of either of these initiatives however will further push the timing of the CCS hub conversion. The paper is split into three (3) parts: - In the first part, the solutions identified to extend D hub as gas hub will be described in detail. Short term solutions to ensure D Hub can continue operation includes the commissioning of Module Recycle Valve (MRV), lowering down D Hub plant pressure and production enhancement for the existing producing fields. Mid-term approaches consist of maturing projects with higher technical certainties and restaging the compressor to a lower turndown limit while waiting for a major Gas Cap Blow Down (GCBD) project to achieve higher project maturation (long term solution). The second part will discuss the CCS Hub key challenges and considerations, mainly revolving around CO2 injection timing at D Hub. Then finally the last part of this paper will outline the conundrum faced in choosing whether to further extend the gas hub at the expense of CCS deferment or an earlier CCS but at the risk of future gas developments being stranded.