Environment Report 2018

International Comparison In comparison with international counterparts, the UKCS’ maturity means that it is expected to have a higher carbon intensity. The recent gains in this area outlined previously highlight the positive work by companies on the UKCS during late-life asset management.

In 2017, the UKCS emitted 14.2 million tonnes of CO 2

. This is comparable to Norway which released a total

of 12.2 million tonnes of CO 2 , down from 12.8 million tonnes in 2016. However, Norway’s production was over twice that of the UK in 2017, meaning it produced at a lower carbon intensity. More assets producing from smaller fields, combined with the fact that the majority of UKCS assets are reaching the mature phase of their life cycle, has led to a higher carbon intensity over the long term, compared with the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The latter is less mature and home to a smaller number of installations producing from larger fields. However, while UKCS’ carbon intensity may be higher than that of its North Sea neighbour (see Figure 16 below), this does not take into account emissions generated during importation of gas to the UK.

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Figure 16: Carbon Intensity International Comparison

30

90%

UK

Norway

European Average

UK Production Efficiency (RHS)

80%

25

70%

20

60%

50%

15

40%

10

30%

20%

Production Efficiency (%)

5

10%

Carbon Intensity (Kilotonnes of CO₂ per Million boe)

0

0%

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Source: EEMS October 2018, Oil & Gas UK, IOGP, NOROG

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