Proposal for Low-Carbon Transformation of Decommissioned Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms in China

Abstract

The low-carbon transformation of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms is an optimal model for intensive resource utilization and for fully exploiting the economic and ecological benefits of decommissioned platforms. It is also an important measure to maintain and enhance the carbon reduction capacity of the marine sector. However, the green and low-carbon development process in China’s marine sector is just beginning, and the low-carbon transformation of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms mostly remains at the conceptual stage, urgently requiring practical and feasible comprehensive transformation plans based on low-carbon technologies. This study completes a survey and analysis of the current status of the disposal of decommissioned oil and gas platforms in China and the level of low-carbon technologies. It proposes a main form of transformation for constructing an offshore carbon recycling hub and three low-carbon transformation routes, clarifying key engineering implementation strategies for platform transformation, including platform safety assessment, selection strategies for transformation plans, and full lifecycle environmental protection. In response to practical issues such as the lack of regulations and policies for platform transformation, shortcomings in the application of low-carbon technologies in the marine sector, and unclear cross-industry cooperation mechanisms, it is recommended to improve platform transformation regulations and guiding policies. It is also necessary to focus on the offshore application performance of core technical equipment, optimize theoretical support for technology, and accelerate the transformation of domestic equipment. Priority should be given to carrying out demonstration projects for the transformation of decommissioned platforms to promote the low-carbon transformation process of decommissioned offshore platforms in China.

Keywords

• decommissioned oil and gas platforms
• low-carbon transformation
• carbon cycle utilization hub
• platform transformation logic