The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) has launched a call to find innovations enabling rigless plug and abandonment, in partnership with the “Go Radical P&A” project managed by Energy Transition Norway (ETN), the Danish Offshore Technology Centre (DOTC), the Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) and the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC).

Solutions for rigless plug and abandonment will be key for cost-efficient, environmentally sensitive, and compliant decommissioning of wells. New innovations will support operators in meeting regulatory requirements, while addressing technical challenges such as accessing the wellbore without a drilling rig.

The call is in connection with NZTC’s Well Decommissioning Collaboration initiative, which is actively supported by the Technology Leadership Board, North Sea Transition Authority, and Offshore Energies UK. The initiative aims to trial and test new technologies in multi-operator collaboration field trials, enabling faster, lower-cost trials and wider industry adoption in the UK and beyond, aligning with UKCS cost and emission reduction targets.

Successful applicants will get exposure to consortium members, which includes Harbour Energy, ConocoPhillips, Respol, TotalEnergies and Petrobras, with potential for support in developing, trialling and testing technologies. In addition, successful applicants will have the chance to engage with similar operator consortiums in Norway, Denmark, Australia and Canada.

Lewis Harper, Project Manager for NZTC’s Well Decommissioning Collaboration, said:

“Collaboration is rooted in everything we do at NZTZ. Our Wells Decommissioning Collaboration initiative highlights how joint innovation is crucial for advancing technologies needed for affordable and sustainable well decommissioning, supporting the industry in reaching its net zero targets.

“It's an exciting chance for emerging developers to join in, gain exposure, and potentially receive support to propel their technology development.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Donald Cameron said:

"This is a fantastic initiative that aims to deliver innovative and affordable solutions through information sharing and trials to help secure the future prosperity of the energy sector while helping to achieve our net zero goals. I encourage those working with this technology to find out more.

"The UK Government is investing £90 million in the Net Zero Technology Centre and more than £3 billion to level up right across Scotland."

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on 31 May 2024. Apply via NZTC’s website: https://www.netzerotc.com/call-for-well-pa-solutions/