Milestone reached; Equinor’s Troll C and Troll B platforms are connected to power from shore

"We're immensely proud of this groundbreaking brownfield electrification project. It’s the first time Aker Solutions is delivering a brownfield electrification project of this complexity. The experience gained in this project is crucial for new electrification projects moving forward.” said Paal Eikeseth, executive vice president and head of Life Cycle, Aker Solutions.

The Troll field is located about 65 kilometers west of Bergen on Norway’s west coast. Aker Solutions’ work has included engineering, procurement, construction, fabrication, as well as installation onboard the offshore platforms.

Electrification of facilities already in operation requires extensive modifications and are complex operations. The modifications include the installation of equipment to receive electrical power from the shore via an 87-kilometer cable from Kollsnes to Troll B and an additional 21-kilometer cable to Troll C. This setup replaces power generation from four gas turbines on the platforms, with two turbines on each platform.

“Moving forward, the full electrification of Troll C and part electrification of Troll B will decrease CO2 emissions from Troll West by almost half a million tons per year, equivalent to four percent of the total emissions from oil and gas production in Norway” said Eikeseth.

For Norway to achieve its climate goals, significant emissions reductions from offshore installations are needed. Electrification contributes to this by replacing fossil energy used in Norwegian oil and gas production, accounting for 25 % of Norway's total emissions.

The engineering and procurement were carried out at Aker Solutions’ offices in Bergen and Mumbai, with prefabrication in Egersund and the construction of four modules taking place at the Stord yard. Installation of three modules was completed at Troll B and Troll C in 2023, and the final module was delivered from Stord and installed at Troll C last week. Next phase of the project focus on replacement of gas driven drive compressors on Troll C with electrical drive compressors. 

The scope is involving approximately 1,000 man-years for our employees, with about 500 dedicated to engineering, 200 to construction, and 300 for offshore work. Including ripple effects, the scope is estimated to engage 4,000 people, including employees working with suppliers and service providers. 

"The close collaboration we’re having with Equinor and our supplier Siemens has been essential to ensure the successful delivery", said Eikeseth.