Abstract
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts key aspects of the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) and offshore Oil and Gas (O&G) industries. The objective is to illuminate where synergies exist in the context of technical standards as well as government regulations, policies and practices. The thesis of the work will propose a clear and harmonized approach for utilization of existing proven oil and gas standards, rules, and regulations as a key enabler for the efforts of developers of offshore renewable energy standards. Using process mapping and gap analysis the paper will identify where the standards of oil and gas and ORE overlap. The ORE sector is taking root and producing commercial power in many regions accustomed to hydrocarbon based energy production. The tools, techniques, talents, and disciplines of engineering required to support the offshore renewable energy industry have much in common with those of the O&G industry. Notwithstanding, new systems of international standards are being developed specific to offshore renewable energy and not taking full advantage of the legacy of existing standards already in place and proven by the offshore oil and gas industry. The results of the analysis are presented in the following manner: Process map showing each of the ORE modalities (i.e. MHK, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind, and OTEC), highlighting the overlap with O&G activities.Planned and existing IEC and other ORE specific standards are listed for each modalityHighlight coverage of common oil and gas standards and align to each modality of ORE.A proposal to fully leverage the existing standards for use in ORE projects and to unify the ORE standards is presented.The review of Regulations is limited to US waters, and the fractured nature of the US ORE Regulatory environment is addressed and suggested improvements made. Existing comparisons of the two industries’ codes and standards are limited to one or two ORE modalities, and this paper is meant to act as the first step in seeing ORE Standards as a unified system.
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