Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions in Offshore Oil & Gas Operations: A Case Study on Greenfield Design Strategies

Abstract This paper presents a low-Carbon design approach for a Greenfield offshore oil production facility located 140 km offshore in the Southern Sarawak region. The facility, designed for 18,000 BPD production and scheduled for first oil in 2028, aims to achieve zero routine greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To achieve net-zero emissions, the project applies Best Available Techniques (BAT) to minimize emissions to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) levels. The study focuses on integrating carbon abatement strategies into the facility's design and compares its emissions performance against conventional offshore facilities, addressing fugitive losses typically associated with traditional designs. Key measures include utilizing excess gas from oil separation for gas lifting to enhance production and injecting emission gases into a dedicated Gas Injection Well. Nitrogen will replace hydrocarbon purge gas during routine flaring operations, significantly reducing GHG emissions. Additionally, flash gases from Production Separator and other low-pressure system such as Surge Vessel and Produced Water System Degasser are recovered into the production system via gas ejectors. Further emission reductions will be achieved by using nitrogen (N2) purge packing in compressor seals to prevent fugitive emissions and replacing instrument gas with instrument air, hydraulic, electric actuation to eliminate venting emissions. The facility will also employ low-emission turbines for power generation and rely entirely on renewable energy for remote wellhead platforms. The proposed design is expected to reduce GHG emissions by 83-98% compared to conventional offshore facilities. By implementing a combination of gas reinjection, nitrogen purge systems, and emission recovery techniques, the facility significantly mitigates fugitive emissions and venting losses. The integration of renewable energy further enhances the facility's sustainability. Comparative analysis demonstrates that these strategies offer a viable pathway toward reducing offshore oil production emissions without compromising production efficiency. These findings provide a strong case for adopting similar emission-reduction strategies in future offshore developments. This paper provides valuable insights into the integration of BAT and renewable energy in offshore oil production facilities, contributing to the industry's transition toward sustainable operations. By presenting a holistic approach to emissions reduction, this study adds to the body of knowledge on low-carbon offshore facility design, offering practical solutions for achieving net-zero emissions in the energy sector in Malaysia.