Which recent innovations or technologies has your company introduced to the energy sector, and how do you see these shaping the industry in coming years?

A major step to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and zero gas flaring is our transformation from diesel to natural gas to generate power. This transformation represents an important milestone in embracing cleaner, greener, and more efficient energy solutions that reduce our carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiency. For example, we recently shifted from diesel to natural gas as the primary fuel source for Combined Cycle Power Plants, bringing many benefits to power plant operators, and the environment. The execution of our Gas-To-Power project at Blocks 3 and 4 during the fourth quarter of 2023 enables us to replace diesel with unutilised associated gas, a byproduct of crude oil production, to generate electricity to power field production assets. We expect that the Gas-To-Power project will result in a 30% reduction in CCED’s greenhouse gas emissions in pursuit of our zero gas flaring ambitions by 2027. These efforts are all aligned with Oman’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

In parallel to the Gas to Power project we signed a tripartite agreement between CCED, Advanced Modular Power Systems (AMPS), and United Engineering Services to improve the efficiency of our remote location power generation. In January 2024 we completed the installation, commissioning, and testing of a unit deployed by AMPS to manage one of our remotely located Electrical Submersible Pumps efficiently. The AMPS unit reduces the generator run time by more than 50%, lowering our diesel consumption and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30%.

Can you share how your company is contributing to the energy transition and the impact your strategy will have?

We have a three-pronged approach toward our environmental stewardship: greenhouse gas emissions reduction, water management, and waste management, which we aim to achieve by leveraging green technology. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and through key partnerships, CCED took several significant steps in transforming into a cost-effective producer with a lower environmental footprint and increased productivity.

We have a vision of being a long-term partner in Oman, whilst continuing to create value for the community. We are not a short-term player, and if we can generate value, be a low-cost operator whilst maintaining a low environmental impact for the community, and do it effectively, then there will always be a place for us.

What value does participating at OPES bring to your company and your overall business strategy?

Participating in the Oman Petroleum and Energy Show is an excellent opportunity for CCED to showcase our latest initiatives as we aim to lead by example as a value-driven company that cares about its profitability, but also about its impact on society and the environment.

When it comes to adopting more sustainable, low-carbon practices, we hope to set a new benchmark for the industry while more and more companies are placing a greater focus on sustainable practices and renewable energy sources.

At the same time, OPES creates an opportunity for us to grow our stakeholder network and exchange valuable industry knowledge and expertise with each other.

What are some of the key innovations that energy professionals can look forward to seeing from your participation at OPES?

Gas-To-Power project

Advanced Modular Power Systems (AMPS)

Can you share a successful project or case study where your products/services made a significant impact?

Our 3D seismic acquisition and processing campaign: Africa Geophysical Services has been acquiring the largest 3D onshore autonomous nodal shoot in the world for us in Block 3 & 4, utilising STRYDE Nodal Technology. High resolution processing and imaging for this survey are being undertaken by geoscience company DUG, which operates a network of some of world’s largest and greenest supercomputers. So far, CCED has successfully shot 99.7% of an 11,434 sq. km nodal program, and it is expected to be completed by mid-September 2024.

“This world class program is taking place in the remaining under explored area of our blocks,” Mr Simpson explained. “In addition, we have successfully reprocessed over 11,000 sq. km of high-quality seismic data, processed 5,210 sq. km of the newly acquired nodal data, and by the end of 2025, we will have around 18,000 square kilometres of extremely high-quality 3D subsurface data from the Blocks.”

Regarding sustainable waste and water management solutions, CCED has implemented several initiatives for sustainable change based on our awareness that any impact on our natural environment also affects our communities.

Our team came up with an idea to create a sustainable mobile reed bed solution to handle our waste grey water at our mobile camps. Previously, we were trucking the grey water to a municipal facility in a larger town using diesel-powered trucks and a facility that was geared up for local community needs. At our permanent locations, we already had fixed reed beds, which are natural filtration systems used for wastewater treatment, but we needed a more flexible solution for our mobile camps. We are also working on stopping the routine use of evaporation ponds for produced water, and instead it will be disposed of underground in safe reservoirs no longer used for producing hydrocarbons.