RIASSUNTO
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to document Shell's experiences and learnings in the effort to better track and reduce Green House Gases (GHG) and improve Energy Efficiency in our downstream manufacturing and upstream production operations. The paper is based on Case Studies from various Operating Units in Shell upstream and downstream operations, as well as outlining further development plans.
In Shell operations we seek to minimize GHG emissions by continuously monitoring, displaying and reporting associated Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) and quickly alerting operators of changes to trigger remedial intervention. Reduction of GHG emission is also achieved by improving cross validated and mass balanced tracking of our process streams. This ensures that manufacturing and production processes are operated efficiently and transparently.
Continuous GHG monitoring also allows automatic compilation of emissions by source which can then be automatically reported as part of the normal daily reporting cycle. The resulting emissions figures and associated KPI's are then prominently displayed in the Daily Production Report. The daily emissions totals are also stored and trended to flag more subtle and/or gradual changes. In this way GHG emissions data and performance information are made available to operations staff and management to facilitate awareness and corrective actions when appropriate.
Introduction
By 2050 the world's energy demand is likely to double - yet more than half the energy we generate every day is wasted. At the same time the world is becoming increasingly more carbon constrained and in order to counter these challenges, Shell has defined a number of strategic pathways as part of their overall GHG management strategy and policy. The first strategic pathway focusses on energy efficiency in our own operations, both for existing and new assets. Energy efficiency is regarded within Shell as good business, yielding often attractive and immediate business value, while also providing improved robustness in the sustainability and profitability of our operations, especially in a carbon constrained world.
The management process starts with understanding and measuring energy consumption and GHG emissions and embedding this in our daily decision making process. At the same time using the "CO2 lens" for driving and validating the design choices in our new assets. In order to do this successfully, real??time measurement of the key process parameters is required. This will provide the operator with instant feedback of his process / operational choices re the impact on energy intensity and GHG emissions. It can be compared with the fuel efficiency indicator in modern cars. By providing this feedback, it stimulates behavioural change and positions energy efficiency as a core value to be optimised using daily operations.
The pupose of this paper is to describe a number of case studies as a representative subset of our activities, and describe how real??time data measurement and surveillance can be used to support our drive for operational excellence in energy efficiency, thereby focussing on the following of our global businesses:
• Upstream E&P European operations ?? derived from real time process measurements;
• Downstream assets ?? derived from real time process measurements;
• North American mid??stream operations ?? derived from a combination of real time process measurements and valve flow estimates
• International upstream E&P assets ?? derived from a combination of well gas flow estimates and real time process measurements
Note, Shell is also very active in the area of CO2 sequestration - this outwith the scope of this paper and is described elsewhere (Ref. 1)