An estimation of the energy consumption and gaseous emissions associated with Heather Platform Decommissioning Options

This paper presents the results of a detailed assessment of the energy consumption and gaseous emissions which would result from a range of options being considered for the decommissioning of the Heather Alpha Platform, one of the larger fixed oil installations in the Northern North Sea, for which decommissioning is imminent. This assessment forms one constituent element in the Best Practicable Environmental Option Study performed during the planning stages of the project. The assessment considers a wide range of feasible decommissioning options including partial and full removal schemes based on toppling, refloatation, lifting emplacement and lifting removal, with disposal of resulting materials either onshore, in-situ or the deep ocean, as appropriate to the decommissioning method. This paper provides an account of the aims of the study, the methods and boundary delineation used in the evaluation, the sources and authorities used for conversion factors and to support other judgements, and finally the results of the analysis with a brief discussion.