Four-slot unmanned gas platform planned for Irish Sea Marram energy hub
EnergyPathways has revealed more details of its planned Marram Energy Storage Hub (MESH) in the East Irish Sea and the technical design for the development’s initial phase.
The company has conducted studies for the pre-FEED process with partners Mermaid Subsea Services (UK) and PDi.
MESH will be an integrated energy system, connecting gas production, gas storage, hydrogen storage and offshore wind to provide energy to the UK. Offshore production operations will be fully electrified and powered by renewable energy.
The design also involves repurposing existing late-life gas infrastructure to serve as a future energy hub.
Initially, the focus will be on developing the offshore Marram gas field as a gas storage and production complex, with FID expected at the end of this year, enabling production to start in late 2027.
EnergyPathways plans to install:
- A new unmanned offshore platform (Marram A) with four well slots, powered by wind, solar and batteries;
- Two initial Phase 1 production wells, both to be drilled in spring 2027, followed by two more Phase 2 wells for gas storage in spring 2029; and
- A new 9-km pipeline connecting Marram A to an existing gas export trunkline, following cessation of production from a late-life gas field in the area.
What is decarbonization?
Decarbonization comprises two elements: first, reducing the amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere, and second, actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere, whether at the point of emissions (point source capture) or from the air (direct air capture).
*Definition by McKinsey and Co.
To learn more, check out the "What is decarbonization?" article by McKinsey.
Phases 1 and 2 will store an estimated 500-600 MM therms of gas with withdrawal and injection rates of 1.7-2 MM therms/d of gas.
MESH has sent storage license application requests to the North Sea Transition Authority for the undeveloped Knox and Lowry gas fields, both of which it believes are suited to gas storage.
Talks continue with various parties on connecting the region's wind power sources and access stranded gas in the East Irish Sea with the MESH decarbonized energy hub.
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About the Author
Jeremy Beckman
Editor, Europe
Jeremy Beckman has been Editor Europe, Offshore since 1992. Prior to joining Offshore he was a freelance journalist for eight years, working for a variety of electronics, computing and scientific journals in the UK. He regularly writes news columns on trends and events both in the NW Europe offshore region and globally. He also writes features on developments and technology in exploration and production.