Petrobras, the largest energy and petroleum company in Brazil with multinational operations in seven countries, has signed a consulting contract with Hitachi Energy to study the electrification of their offshore oil platforms. The study will form part of the Assessment of Electrical Interconnection of Petrobras Platforms with the Onshore Power System, supporting the strategy to reduce carbon emissions in their operations since electricity generation in Brazil has a high share of renewables. 

Under the agreement, Hitachi Energy will analyze costs, offshore interconnection options, and technical considerations, such as the use of alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), in addition to outlining the scope and timelines for related services required for the interconnection. The results will help Petrobras evaluate the economic viability of the electrification of their offshore oil and gas (O&G) platforms. 

“Petrobras has a broad portfolio of research, development, and innovation to evaluate the connection of low-carbon energy sources with its offshore units. Within this portfolio, interconnection with the onshore power system option stands out, which is why partnerships with companies specialized in offshore electrical systems have been established to enhance the maturity of this option for platform projects,” commented Cezar Siqueira, General Manager of R&D in production development at the Petrobras research center.

"Petrobras is leading the way toward a just energy transition with their efforts to ensure sustainable operations, and this aligns with Hitachi Energy’s commitment to powering the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, secure, resilient and affordable. The O&G sector can be an important driver of transformation within the energy transition, and investing in platform electrification represents a critical step forward," emphasized Daniel Galvan, Global Product Group Manager of Power Consulting at Hitachi Energy.

Today, the energy for Petrobras’ platforms comes from offshore extracted natural gas, a process that, although it already represents a lower carbon footprint compared to other fuels, generates comparatively the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions from this type of facility. This project aims to assess how these platforms can be connected to the onshore electricity grid using renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric, wind, or solar, drastically reducing CO₂ emissions from offshore operations.