Optimizing the Norwegian Natural Gas Production and Transport

The network for transportation of natural gas on the Norwegian Continental Shelf is the world’s largest offshore pipeline network with 7800 km. The gas flowing through this network amounts to approximately 15 % of the European consumption. In a network of interconnected pipelines, system effects are prevalent, and the network has to be analyzed as a whole to determine the optimal operation. SINTEF has developed a decision support tool, GassOpt based on a mixed integer program to optimize the network configuration and routing for the main Norwegian shipper of natural gas, Statoil. Also the independent network operator, Gassco, uses the tool.

The GassOpt tool allows the users to graphically model their network and easily run optimizations to find the best solutions quickly. It is used to evaluate the current network as well as possible network extensions.

Operations research (OR) methods are now an integrated part of the work of the departments responsible for transportation planning and security of supply and several new OR projects have grown out from this cooperation.

The operations research tool analyses the operation of a system with capacity of 120 billion standard cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas a year. StatoilHydro estimates the accumulated savings related to their use of GassOpt to be in the range of several billion NOK.

SINTEF and the project partners participated was finalists in The Franz Edelman Award 2008 for innovative applied operations research.

We do further developmement og GassOpt in 2009-2010 to improve the gas quality management by better modelling of processing plants.  This is very important due to the increased content of carbondioxide in new fields that is discovered and old fields entering the decline phase.

Contact person: Frode Rømo / Lars Hellemo

The GassOpt tool

"The Franz Edelman Award recognizes outstanding examples of innovative operations research that improves organizations."

Pressrelease SINTEF (in Norwegian)

Model properties and focus:

• Portfolio Perspective
• Gas Quality Management
• Flexibility and market requirements
• System robustness and integrity
• Security of Supply

Values created:

GassOpt has helped StatoilHydro create considerable values from 1998 until today

• Reduced losses during temporary production shutdowns
• Prevent investment decisions shown to have a significant negative effect on other promising field development options.
• Increased precision in transport capacity booking
• Avoiding decisions which would have reduced oil production
• Increased precision in field development decisions
• Increased ability to deliver Gas with right quality