TAQA, an international company offering leading well solutions for the energy industry, has revealed the next-generation inflow control system.
The M4 Inflow Control System dictates the flow of undesired fluid (such as water and gas) and avoids any binary (open/close) effect that can result in instability or even stop production. Enabling operators to optimise their reservoir performance while sustainability managing fluid production, the new system excels in controlling water in ultra-light and light applications and enhances gas production control, providing stability and flexibility in diverse reservoir conditions.
“With the largest portfolio of inflow control systems more than 20 years of inflow control devices expertise, the M4 Inflow Control System represents the pinnacle of our innovation so far,” remarked Mojtaba Moradi, subsurface engineering manager of TAQA. “This new generation offers water control by gradually reducing inflow as water production increases, avoiding premature well shut in.
“Its main benefit is precision control based on reservoir production. The device allows operators to maximise output without risking shutting wells in, so they can manage production continuously and efficiently, which translates into obvious financial benefits.”
According to TAQA, the M4 Inflow Control System technology incorporates an advanced pilot control system that is super sensitive to density, making it suitable for a wide range of oil types, including ultra-light, light, medium, and heavy oils. It also features advanced multi-phase control, allowing the device to perform independently of its orientation in the wellbore.
TAQA also offers a ‘plug and play’ integration with its full portfolio of inflow systems and has been built to optimise performance in all types of wells in all reservoir types. Additional operational features such as last-minute capacity change, and the ability to circulate to the bottom have also been incorporated into the design.
Although not limited to any oil viscosity, so far, the system has demonstrated excellent performance with oil viscosities as low as 0.5cP tested together with water to define the operating and control points at various water cuts. A full qualification matrix of debris, erosion and cycle testing has also been completed.
With a commitment to recycling the Northern Endeavour floating production storage and offtake (FPSO) vessel in a safe and environmentally sound manner while achieving value for money, the Australian Government has released a request for tender (RFT) to find a supplier to recycle the vessel.
As works are underway to prepare the FPSO for a safe disconnection from the subsea infrastructure, the Government is seeking proposals from organisations to recycle the FPSO and manage the disposal of hazardous waste. This also includes the recycling of any furniture, fixtures, equipment, victuals or other on-board items. The FPSO will be towed to the ship recycling facility of the successful tenderer.
All FPSO recycling activities must comply with relevant regulatory requirements. This includes relevant safety, environmental protection and maritime regulations across international conventions and agreements, domestic legislation and regulations, and state legislation and regulations.
Interested parties must ensure registration to submit proposals through the AusTender website only. All requirements must be addressed in the RFT documents which are accessible on AusTender.
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources is holding industry briefing sessions for interested parties. There will be three separate briefings focussing on the commercial, financial and technical aspects of the RFT. To register for the briefings, participants can email the contact officer at
Submissions of the RFTs will close on 29 November 2024.
The Department of the Interior has announced the Bureau of Land Management's approval of the Fervo Cape Geothermal Power Project in Beaver County, Utah.
The project will use innovative technology to generate up to 2GW of baseload power that, if fully developed, is enough to supply more than two million homes. This approval marks the BLM's green-light for nearly 32GW of clean energy projects on public lands, including 42 projects approved under the Biden-Harris administration. The BLM is also proposing a new categorical exclusion to facilitate geothermal energy resources confirmation on public lands.
“Geothermal energy is one of our greatest untapped clean energy resources on public lands,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Steve Feldgus. “Today’s actions are part of the Department’s work to deliver on new opportunities, new technologies, and new solutions in geothermal energy that support the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to create jobs, economic growth, and clean carbon-free electricity for communities throughout the West.”
“The BLM is committed to supporting the responsible growth of geothermal energy on public lands,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “We need all the tools in the toolbox to reach a clean energy future, and this proposed categorical exclusion will be helpful in accelerating the process of locating new geothermal resources.”
The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), the Australian Government’s offshore energy regulator responsible for health and safety, well integrity and environmental management for offshore oil and gas, has accepted Woodside Energy’s plans to decommission the Minerva Field.
The field, previously operated by BHP Petroleum, is located in Commonwealth waters with the wells laying approximately 11 km southwest of Port Campbell in water depths of approximately 50-60 m. Woodside plans to remove all subsea infrastructure and equipment from the seabed associated with the Minerva development. According to NOPSEMA, activities covered by the decommissioning include:
• Ongoing field management activities (inspection and monitoring) for the Minerva subsea and well infrastructure until decommissioning;
• Removal of the Minerva gas pipeline bundle in Commonwealth waters. The pipeline comprises of approximately 4.9 km of 10-inch concrete coated rigid-steel flowline, bunded with an electro hydraulic umbilical and two 2-inch steel chemical injection lines and stabilisation materials;
• Removal of Minerva subsea infrastructure within VIC-L22 in Commonwealth Waters comprising of five inline pipeline structures, five tie-in spools, and associated equipment and stabilisation material.
Equipment removal activities are planned to commence as early as Q4 2024 and require approximately three to five months, subject to vessel availability and weather constraints.
The plans for the decommissioning were submitted to NOPSEMA earlier this year. Click here to learn more.
New Zealand-based Contact Energy has reached a major commissioning milestone with its new Te Huka 3 geothermal power station as it has synchronised and provided power to the national grid for the first time.
At full capacity the power station will run at 51.4MW which equates to enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 60,000 homes. During a three week testing period with Transpower, approximately 15MW will initially be fed into the grid before gradually increasing.
This period will be followed by formal generator compliance testing to Transpower’s system operator code requirements to confirm Te Huka 3 can provide electricity to the grid efficiently and safely.
Contact’s CEO Mike Fuge said “This marks a huge moment for the team at Te Huka 3, who have, for the past two years, worked tirelessly from the initial ground-breaking on site to building a fully operational renewable power station.
“[Te Huka 3] is a significant demonstration of our ability to invest, build and deliver world class assets for the benefit of all New Zealand.”
Once Transpower’s tests are completed, Contact will carry out further performance and reliability testing before the site is expected to become fully operational by the end of the year. One of the tests will include a 30-day reliability run to confirm that Te Huka 3 can run continuously and reliably at 51.4MW over a month-long period.
Fuge continued, “It is a really exciting time for geothermal energy. It has often been the unsung hero of power, but now it is really coming into its own as it plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s transition away from fossil fuels while helping to keep the lights on.”
Saipem, a global leader in the engineering and construction of major projects for the energy and infrastructure sectors, has signed a MoU with Geolog and Ignis H2 Energy to develop advanced technological solutions and conduct feasibility studies for new geothermal plants.
The two companies are specialised in the geothermal sector; Geolog is a leader in the evaluation of geological formation and drilling solutions, while Ignis H2 Energy expertise lies in geothermal resource acquisition, exploration and development. Saipem has moved to utilise the experience of both companies as it aims to develop advanced solutions that can enable a greater use of geothermal energy. In particular, the company is interested in next-generation geothermal energy systems, offshore geothermal energy, and the conversion of oil & gas wells.
As per the MoU, the three entities have agreed to carry out joint studies on unconventional geothermal energy such as terrestrial heat sources difficult to access as well as on offshore geothermal energy.
Saipem will lead the feasibility study of geothermal plants, by assessing the technical solutions currently available in the market and identifying potential technological gaps. Geolog and Ignis will contribute to the assessment of geological formations and drilling solutions, as well as the analysis of geothermal resources availability.
Oil Spill Response Ltd (OSRL), the largest international industry-funded cooperative dedicated to supporting its members in preparing for and responding to oil spills, has marked another step in its rebranding efforts through the reveal of its newly designed logo.
Encapsulating OSRL’s core values of safety, collaboration and innovation while reflecting its commitment to future aspirations, the new logo is part of the company’s wider rebrand which also includes a refreshed mission and vision.
“We wanted a brand that not only reflects our 40 years of leadership but also positions OSRL for the future,” remarked Darren Waterman, Engagement Director. “The new identity stands as a symbol of our unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and collaboration.”
The new logo, which was conceived through an extensive brand review, will be gradually rolled out across all company touchpoints, including its website, social media channels, training materials, and operational equipment.
“We are proud to introduce a brand that honours our rich legacy while looking toward the future,” commented Vania De Stefani, CEO. “This new logo is not just a visual change; it’s a reflection of OSRL’s evolution and our ongoing dedication to our members and the industry.”
The brand rollout will continue throughout 2025 to ensure a sustainable approach minimising waste.
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has awarded a contract and first task order for the decommissioning of eight orphaned pipelines in the Matagorda Island lease area.
This move comes as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s concerted efforts to address legacy population and will see work take place in the area which is located around 12 miles off of the Texas coast.
On 4 September, BSEE awarded a five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract to Chet Morrison Contractors, LLC, to conduct on-site pipeline decommissioning activities. This was closely followed, on 12 September, by the award of the first task order under the contract, for the Matagorda Island Areas.
“With this award, BSEE advances to the active pipeline decommissioning phase of the Matagorda Island area project,” remarked Kathryn Kovacs, Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, who leads BSEE. “The funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is crucial to BSEE as we tackle orphaned infrastructure on the Outer Continental Shelf, which presents a serious hazard to safety and the environment.”
The project will reduce pollution risks and improve offshore safety by decommissioning infrastructure that could interfere with navigation, commercial fisheries, and other current or future ocean uses.
These awards the year are the latest in a series that has seen action take place in the Matagorda Island lease area. Last year, BSEE awarded contracts for the decommissioning of nine orphaned wells there in a bid to address the urgent decommissioning needs. This included securing wellheads, decommissioning pipelines with hazardous materials, and preparing the site for permanently sealing the wells.
This has been part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which allocated US$250mn to clean up well sites in national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and other public lands and waters. Nearly US$150mn has been disbursed over the past three years.
PT Pertamina Power Indonesia (Pertamina NRE), PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) and France-based clean hydrogen technology venture Genvia have signed a MoU to collaboratively develop green hydrogen production through the integration of advanced solid oxide electrolyser (SOEL) technology with geothermal heat resources.
The agreement includes the technical and economic study of the use of Genvia’s advanced high-temperature SOEL technology to reduce energy consumption in green hydrogen, and will be conducted at one of PGE’s geothermal sites.
The collaboration will leverage PGE’s geothermal expertise and Pertamina NRE’s broader clean energy portfolio, including renewables, green hydrogen, battery storage, electric vehicles and carbon businesses.
John Anis, CEO of Pertamina NRE, said, “We at Pertamina NRE are very enthusiastic about the collaboration with Genvia, which we believe will significantly accelerate the development of green hydrogen in Indonesia. This collaboration underlines our commitment to explore innovative solutions to achieve more cost-effective hydrogen production and maximise Indonesia’s green energy potential, such as geothermal.”
Florence Lambert, CEO of Genvia, commented, “Through our collaboration with Pertamina NRE and PGE, we see great potential in combining Genvia’s advanced technology with Indonesia’s abundant geothermal resources to drive a sustainable energy future. By exploring the potential of high-temperature SOEL technology, we aim to unlock new efficiencies in green hydrogen production.”
Baseload Power Taiwan has announced a partnership with Taiwan Power Company (Taipower), Taiwan Cogeneration Corporation (TCC), and other international partners to develop geothermal energy in the Tatun Mountain area of northern Taiwan.
The collaborative partnership will unlock the country’s largest geothermal energy reserve in order to rapidly advance geothermal development at scale. By harnessing this energy, it is believed that geothermal power will become a key pillar in Taiwan’s journey towards hitting its Net Zero goal by 2050.
On 1 October, 2024, Taipower held a signing ceremony for the ‘MOU for Cooperation – Geothermal Development at Tatun Mountain’ with joint signatures from Taipower Chairman Wen-sheng Tseng, TTC Chairman Shun-I Huang, Baseload Capital Chairman Magnus Brandberg, and representatives from GreenFire Energy and other international geothermal companies.
Magnus Brandberg, Co-Founder and Chairman of Baseload Capital, said, “As Taiwan’s first international geothermal developer, we are committed to delivering 24/7 clean energy and advancing the geothermal industry. By leveraging public-private collaboration, we aim to unlock Taiwan’s geothermal potential, contribute to its energy independence, and support the 2050 Net-Zero goal.”
Following the signing, a series of initiatives will take place including the analysis of existing geological data; geology, geochemistry and geophysics exploration; establishment of conceptual modules; determining drilling targets; and the execution of an exploration drilling programme.
Once the exploration phase is complete, assessments will begin for the potential of geothermal power plants and the possible implementation of Advanced Geothermal Systems.
The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) have begun an investigation to explore the risk of radioactive materials accumulating in marine organisms following the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas infrastructure.
“The experiment will help operators and regulators understand the environmental risk of infrastructure like pipelines with residual levels of NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material), helping to guide decision-making around whether this infrastructure should be removed or safely left in the ocean,” said AIMS Researcher and experiment lead, Darren Koppel.
According to AIMS, naturally occurring radioactive elements in soils, rocks, the seabed can be accumulated in infrastructure like pipelines. The resultant accumulated NORM that can build up may be present in structures and, if left in the ocean following decommissioning, may eventually leach into seawater before being released into sediments on the ocean floor. This could have an impact on marine organisms.
Currently, there is little data available which describes at what levels NORM from the industry becomes dangerous to marine organisms, a problem the experiment is looking to remedy.
Using facilities in the National Sea Simulator at AIMS’ Townsville headquarters, scientists have dosed marine sediments collected at the AIMS jetty and beach with specific amounts of NORM, and then placed the organisms in the sediments to determine concentrations above which the organisms may start experiencing harm.
The team also extracted eDNA from the sediments to understand and characterise the bacteria biodiversity, and to see whether the radioactivity brought about a change in the bacterial community over the course of the four-week experiment.
“The default position in Australia is that all offshore oil and gas infrastructure must be removed from the ocean when it is no longer being used,” remarked Koppel. “But leaving infrastructure in-situ may be allowed if the oil and gas operator can demonstrate this will result in an equal or better environmental outcome than removing it, that any environmental risks and impacts will be acceptable, and leaving it will comply with Australia’s obligations under international conventions.”
AIMS scientists are also investigating other aspects of the decommissioning question, including the habitat value of offshore structures and whether they can help maintain populations of marine species (including invasive ones and those important for Australian fisheries) by aiding dispersal processes.
Stadtwerke München (SWM), one of the largest municipal companies in Germany, has announced that the construction for a new geothermal plant in Germany is now underway.
Already operating six geothermal plants in and around Munich, the new project will be built on the site of the Michaelibad in southeast Munich and is expected to be completed in 2033. It is being undertaken as part of SWM’s efforts to cover Munich’s district heading needs in a climate-neutral way by 2040 at the latest.
Projected to supply heat to around 75,000 Munich residents, the plant will have four extraction and four reinjection boreholes, an adjacent heating station and a large heat pump to further increase the heat yield.
So far, demolition work has been carried out on buildings where the heating station will be located and preparations have also been made for the integration of the future geothermal plant into the district heating network. Now, attention turns to construction, a milestone marked by a groundbreaking ceremony held at the site.
“Geothermal energy is a climate-neutral, inexhaustible and at the same time reliable source of energy that is available all year round,” commented Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. “It can also be used to cover a persistently high demand for heat. The Munich municipal utilities are a good example of how this technology can be successful in densely populated cities. The development of geothermal heat has the potential to cover around a quarter of Germany's required renewable heat demand by 2045. The aim is to increase the current geothermal energy feed into heating networks tenfold. The SWM is actively contributing to achieving this goal.”
Karin Thelen, SWM Managing Director of Regional Energy Transition, added, “In order to generate district heating in an even more climate-friendly way, we are consistently expanding the use of geothermal energy as part of our transformation plan. 20 years after our first geothermal plant at the Riem trade fair, we are building our seventh plant here at the Michaelibad.
“We are planning another on the site of the former Virginia depot in the north of Munich, and additional locations are currently being explored with the city administration. In total, we want to build ten geothermal projects with more than 50 new deep boreholes in and around Munich. In addition, we are making our existing plants more efficient through additional drilling. Large heat pumps directly at the location of the geothermal plant, as here at the Michaelibad, should also make the heat from the return flow usable for district heating. However, without federal funding for efficient heating networks, the feat of municipal heat transition cannot be managed. We are receiving funding for the plant at the Michaelibad, for which I would like to express my sincere thanks.”
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