Regulating the Reuse and Repurposing of Oil and Gas Installations in the Context of Decommissioning: Creating Incentives and Enabling Energy System Integration.

Abstract

This chapter deals with the reuse and repurposing of oil and gas installations in the context of decommissioning. Reuse and repurposing is of increasing relevance in many decommissioning projects, although it may only be realised in a limited number of cases. This book chapter starts with a short review of the current practice and prospects for reuse and repurposing of decommissioned oil and gas installations, including. Examples of repurposing include renewable energy generation like offshore wind, hydrogen generation or carbon capture and storage (CCS). It continues with an analysis of the place given to reuse in decommissioning legislation and how the decommissioning legal framework could provide better incentives for reuse. Then, the chapter looks at what are or should be the central considerations when deciding on reuse or repurposing. It ends with a reflection on what should be the central terms of a reuse decision, including for liability transfer between old and new owners. The chapter finishes with a summary of the recommendations made.