Equinor inaugurates largest offshore wind farm and will use electricity to power its oil and gas platforms.

Last Wednesday (23), the largest offshore wind farm in the world was officially opened, off the west coast of Norway. the giant of fossil fuels Equinor, is responsible for the huge Hywind Tampern offshore wind farm which, with 88 MW of capacity, will deliver energy to supply nearby oil and gas platforms.

Controversy between renewable energies and oil and gas platforms

The project, which uses new technology to connect 11 giant wind turbines under the sea, has generated mixed reactions from environmentalists. Despite helping to reduce emissions from oil and gas platforms, climate advocates say it is time to completely stop drilling for fossil fuels.

The question of whether or not oil and gas companies can be part of the transition to renewable energy is also a deeply controversial issue. A new report from Greenpeace underlines the reduced role that wind energy and other energy solutions play in Equinor's portfolio.

Equinor invests only 3% of its budget in low carbon emissions

The Norway-based company invests just 3% of its budget in real low carbon emissions, according to an analysis carried out by Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe of 12 companies that own oil and gas platforms.

Equinor entered into a partnership with OMV and Vaar Energi, for the development of the offshore wind farm, which started generating energy in November and reached its full capacity at the beginning of this month.

The energy generated by offshore wind power plant will cover about 35% of the energy needed to power five offshore oil and gas platforms in the North Sea. These platforms are carbon intensive, normally using diesel or gas to run their machines.

Offshore wind farm has 11 turbines wind farms

Electrifying oil and gas platforms with wind energy will reduce CO2 emissions from the fields by approximately 200 tonnes annually, according to Equinor. This figure represents 0,4% of Norway's total CO2 emissions in 2022.

A Hywind Tampen comprises 11 offshore wind turbines installed on a floating base that is anchored to the sea floor rather than fixed to the ocean floor, a new technology that, according to industry experts, is suitable for use in deeper waters off the coast and which Equinor expects to continue to develop.

Norway is focused on producing 30GW of offshore wind energy by 2040, which would double the country's current energy production. The electrification of oil and gas platforms is essential for Norway to achieve its national climate goals under the Paris Agreement.

Equinor's investments in energy transition

As the world wakes up to the weather-destructive powers of oil and gas, producers are looking for their own ways to weather the storm.

A Shell and BP have increased their oil and gas output this year, backtracking on earlier pledges to cut back. Equinor, however, has never deviated from a growth trajectory.

The company, which is responsible for approximately 70% of Norway's oil and gas production, increased its profits by 134% in the last year, compared to 2021, after having benefited from its high gas prices in Europe, following the war in Ukraine. Renewable energies represent only 0,13% of the company's total energy production this year.