Environment Report 2015

ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2015

Figure 2 shows the monthly variation in produced water generation and reinjection over 2014, which roughly correlates with the monthly variation in production. Produced water volumes declined between July and September, coinciding with the offshore summer maintenance when there is a temporary halt in production on some assets.

Figure 2: Produced Water Generated and Reinjection Volumes throughout 2014

Total Offshore Produced Water

Produced Water Reinjected

Production

10 12 14 16

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Produced Water (Million m 3 )

0 2 4 6 8

Production (Million tonnes of oil equivalent)

Source: EEMS June 2015, DECC

The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) reports that globally 0.6 tonnes of produced water was discharged and a tonne reinjected per tonne of hydrocarbon produced (both onshore and offshore) by IOGP member companies in 2013. Over 90 per cent of the reported produced water came from offshore operations. Comparatively, in 2013, the UKCS discharged two tonnes and reinjected 0.5 tonnes of produced water per tonne of hydrocarbon produced. In 2014, these values were 2.1 tonnes and 0.4 tonnes, respectively. These data highlight the UKCS’ maturity and its technically challenging nature compared with many other basins around the world. It is to be expected that more produced water is generated in the UK than on average globally. Nevertheless, continually decreasing discharge from the UKCS (see Figure 1 earlier) shows that produced water is controlled and managed. Furthermore, both the Norwegian and UK ratios of produced water to hydrocarbons produced show a steady increase since 2000, reflecting that both countries face similar technical challenges with production in the North Sea basin. Norsk Olje & Gass reports that 1.9 tonnes of produced water was generated for every tonne of oil produced in 2013 in Norway.

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