ABB has won an order worth $120 million to supply the overall electrical power system for the multibillion-dollar Jansz-Io Compression project. The Jansz-Io field is located approximately 200 km off the northwestern coast of Australia at water depths of approximately 1400 m. The field is a part of the Chevron-operated Gorgon natural gas project, one of the world’s largest natural gas developments.
The Jansz-Io Compression project will involve the construction and installation of a 27,000-tonne (topside and hull) normally unattended floating field control station, approximately 6,500 tonnes of subsea compression infrastructure, and a 135-km submarine power cable linked to Barrow Island. The estimated $4 billion project was greenlit earlier this year.
“The Jansz-Io Compression project is a major enabler in maintaining an important source of natural gas to customers in Asia Pacific,” said Peter Terwiesch, president of process automation at ABB. “It will support energy transition across the region where many countries primarily rely on coal for energy generation. Burning natural gas produces around half as much carbon dioxide per unit of energy compared with coal. We’re proud to be leading the way in the global energy industry by pioneering innovative subsea power technologies that bring us closer to a carbon neutral future.”
ABB will provide much of the electrical equipment, both topside and subsea, for the project. The project will combine two core ABB technologies—power from shore and variable-speed-drive long stepout subsea power—for the first time. The electrical system will be able to transmit 100 megavolt-amperes over approximately 140 km and at depths of 1400 m.
“This game-changing technology significantly reduces power consumption and emissions compared to power generated offshore by local gas turbines and compressors located topside,” said Brandon Spencer, president of energy industries at ABB. “Subsea compressors are key to helping improve reservoir recoverability and ensuring optimal use of resources from existing fields.”
The contract was awarded following concept development and a front-end engineering and design study. Work will start immediately, and the subsea compression system is expected to be in operation in 2025.
