Application, Experiences, and Opportunities of ISO 20815 for Offshore Technology Development Supporting the Energy Transition

Abstract This paper demonstrates how the ISO/TC67/WG4 standards portfolio, and in particular ISO 20815, can be used to support decision- making for sustainable technology development for oil and gas and lower-carbon energy. The paper also outlines the business value of applying these standards in industry and to energy transition activities. ISO/TC67/WG4 is responsible for developing reliability and cost related standards for the oil and gas industry, including lower-carbon energy. This paper presents the ISO 20815 standardized approach for the production assurance and reliability management needed to support energy transition within the subsea and electrification domains. Operators are undertaking technology development that relocates traditionally topside systems to the seafloor to reduce costs and risks. The concept of a subsea chemical storage and injection system (SCSIS) versus a traditional topside system was assessed. Special performance measures for comparison purposes were addressed. System availability and production availability of offshore and onshore facilities affected by electrification, in terms of power supply and configuration of processing and utility functions, will also benefit from the use of production assurance and reliability management. To support the technology development process for the SCSIS concept, a comparative availability analysis of the topside versus subsea concept was undertaken in conformance with ISO 20815 and ISO 14224. This analysis provided conclusions and recommendations that supported the technology development process. The analysis demonstrated successful use of the reliability technology methodology outlined in ISO 20815 and ISO 14224 and how this methodology is key to understanding technological risk. Reliability and availability analyses enabled differentiation of technical and operational factors and alternative operating and maintenance strategies and potential system design changes aimed at improving performance. Brownfield projects associated with the electrification of onshore facilities can derive significant benefits from equipment reliability and system availability analysis using ISO 20815. The paper illustrates how the implementation of the standards in the ISO/TC67/WG4 portfolio can support decision-making during technology and project development processes. Furthermore, it provides general awareness of the standards that have the potential to underpin the industry's ability to overcome present and future challenges. The third edition of ISO 20815 is currently under development, and this paper will provide examples of how ISO 20815 can be used to compare traditional and new subsea technology. The use of ISO 20815 to assess offshore electrification availability can help operators select affordable energy transition solutions. The paper will also provide insights into the use of reliability and availability analysis methods and techniques for different life cycle phases.