Power from shore turned on at two North Sea Troll platforms

Equinor has started partial power-from-shore operations at the Troll B and C platforms, part of the Troll West electrification development approved by the Norwegian authorities in 2021.

Power is supplied from Kollsnes, northwest of Bergen, transported through a 132-kV power cable from a new electro building dedicated to the Troll and Oseberg to Troll B. From there, the power feed continues to Troll C.

New modules on the two platforms are used to adjust the voltage to equipment on board. The platforms’ processing systems and other energy-intensive systems now run fully on electricity, although the large export compressors remain gas-powered.

The project will eventually lead to all power needs on Troll C platform being supplied from the shore. The infrastructure at Kollsnes and the cable to the platform also allow for a future full electrification of Troll B. At that point, the combined power demand will be up to 116 MW.

Aker Solutions fabricated the three electro modules at its yard in Stord, western Norway, and also procured and installed all electrical equipment in the modules and at the new electro building. The company’s workscope extended to the modifications on the two platform topsides and all hookup to existing operating systems both offshore and at Kollsnes.

Hereema Marine Contractors performed the heavy-lift installations of the modules. For the work at Kollsnes, NKT manufactured the cable in Karslkrona, Sweden and then managed the offshore installation.

Skanska Norge was responsible for constructing the transformer substation and landfall area.

Equinor estimates total investments in the project at NOK 8.1 billion ($750 million).