An immersive simulation suite that will transform approaches to offshore decommissioning and renewable energy infrastructure projects in the North Sea has been launched in the north-east of Scotland.
The simulation suite is located at the National Decommissioning Centre (NDC), a global research and development hub based in Newburgh, Aberdeenshire.
The NDC is a partnership between the University of Aberdeen and the Net Zero Technology Centre.
The launch was attended by leading figures from industry and local and national government
The £1.6m suite has been funded jointly by the Scottish Government, the UK Government and the Net Zero Technology Centre through the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
It can undertake detailed marine technology and operational simulations as well as complex data modelling and visualisation.
These advanced capabilities provide a safe, virtual environment where users can simulate offshore and subsea operations in real time, such as the removal or installation of energy infrastructure, deploying a range of equipment and vessels to see which are best suited to the task and introducing challenging factors such as variable weather and tidal conditions.
The first funded project to use the simulator is assessing novel techniques for the installation of anchor systems for offshore floating wind turbines.
Working with local company Aubin, the project aims to deliver more cost-effective methods of anchor installation.
Using the platform’s powerful data handling and visualisation capabilities, NDC staff are also creating a virtual model of the entire North Sea.
This involves mapping all offshore oil and gas and renewable infrastructure and compiling key information such as lifespan, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and power usage.
The Scottish Government is supporting a programme of research projects as part of the Net Zero Technology Centre led Data for Net Zero (D4NZ) project, and NDC staff will use this model of the North Sea and its infrastructure to deliver cross-industry benefits for a wide range of stakeholders.