Concept of situation and strategic planning of natural gas consumption in industrial enterprises

DOI: 10.33917/mic-6.101.2021.58-68

The scientific article considers the concept of situational and strategic planning of natural gas consumption at an industrial enterprise based on two matrix models: a situational model of planning energy efficiency and energy conservation strategies and the choice of strategic use of technologies, a situational model of planning strategies for energy consumption in the fuel and energy balance. The interrelation of these models makes it possible to form a matrix for monitoring the main indicators of characteristics that ensure the implementation of an energy efficient strategy for natural gas consumption, which assumes a number of characteristics, optimizing which it is possible to ensure the quality of planning and management of situational and strategic consumption of natural gas in the fuel and energy balance system of an industrial enterprise.

Microeconomics of improving the safety of nuclear power plants based on using of accident tolerant fuel

DOI: 10.33917/mic-5.100.2021.49-61

An analytical methodology for evaluating the criteria of microeconomic efficiency of investments in nuclear power plants with innovative accident tolerant nuclear fuel resistant is presented. The main directions of current research in the world on the development of various variants of accident tolerant nuclear fuel are shown. To assess the competitiveness of nuclear power plants with accident tolerant fuel, it is proposed to use the coefficients of the influence of tolerant fuel on capital, operating and fuel costs, as well as on the efficiency of using the installed reactor capacity. Analytical formula containing influence coefficients are obtained to evaluate the main criteria for the effectiveness of investments in nuclear power plants with such type of fuel: internal return rate, levelized cost of electricity, discounted payback period and net present value. The results of the analysis of the sensitivity of microeconomic criteria to the proposed influence coefficients are presented. This approach allows us to determine the most important directions for a detailed analysis of the economic effects of the intеgration of accident tolerant fuel into nuclear power.

Conceptual design for offshore hydrocarbon fields development

DOI: 10.33917/mic-5.100.2021.62-73

The article presents approaches to the implementation of the conceptual stages of the life cycle of offshore oil and gas structures (OOGS) to ensure the profitability of projects for the exploration and development of offshore hydrocarbon fields. The current decline in the offshore field activity of Russian oil and gas companies (OGCs) can be explained by a number of concerns. The most significant are the low profitability of projects and the lack of investments due to the background of low global oil prices. According to the author, the solution to this problem lies in the ways of optimizing the concepts of OOGS according to the criteria that meet the characteristics of the Russian oil and gas industry, for which it is necessary to rationalize the scope, content and management of project work at the conceptual design stage.

The article presents the results of a study of corporate project regulations of foreign OGCs and foreign engineering companies (ECs) at the conceptual stages of OOGS projects, analysis of the relationship between the stages of the life cycle of the offshore hydrocarbon field development. Using the example of a field on the Canadian shelf, the author estimates the cost of implementing an error at different stages of the project life cycle, as a result of which the role of conceptual stages in meeting the project’s on-time and in-budget goals is determined.

On the basis of the performed research, recommendations are formulated, the implementation of which will allow Russian OGCs to increase the profitability of projects for the exploration and development of offshore fields.

Digitalization as a driver for the development of oil and gas companies in modern conditions

DOI: 10.33917/mic-5.100.2021.74-79

The article provides a justification for the feasibility of introducing digital technologies into the oil and gas industry, which nowadays experiencing a period of tightening competition because of falling oil prices, complicating the conditions for geological exploration and oil production, the development of «green» energy. There is a downward trend in demand for oil and petroleum products, which forces oil and gas companies to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of oil production in order to withstand pressure from competitors. For these purposes, many oil and gas companies are digitalizing their business processes. As the advantages of digitalization of the industry, the article discusses the reduction of costs for exploration and production of oil, and as barriers – underdeveloped infrastructure, a lack of highly qualified personnel and cyber threats.

Carbon neutrality and problems of RES development in Europe

DOI: 10.33917/mic-5.100.2021.80-86

The article analyzes the balance between Europe’s desire for carbon neutrality and energy security. The problems of using renewable energy sources (RES) in Europe arising from unstable weather have been identified. It is concluded that the volume of renewable energy production up to 50% and above, as planned by the EU, is not justified due to the unreliability of renewable energy – dependence on the weather. According to the author’s preliminary assessment, in order to ensure the energy stability of the country, RES should produce no more than 30% of electricity.

Supply chain management of offshore projects in the Arctic based on digital transformation

DOI: 10.33917/mic-4.99.2021.76-87

The article provides a comparative assessment of the digital maturity of the leading oil and gas companies of the Russian Federation admitted to work on the Arctic shelf (PJSC Gazprom Neft and PJSC Rosneft) in the exploration and production segment according to the stages of the «thing-digit-thing» cycle, as well as a comparison with leading practices in the field of project logistics on the shelf. It identifies approximate cost-cutting limits of digital transformation in Arctic projects and factors limiting cost efficiency of offshore projects in the Russian Arctic. The goal of the study is to identify a potential increase in digital maturity and scope of digital transformation in the Arctic project supply chain in Russia. The study is based on modern approaches to sustainable supply chain management in oil industry and supply chain streamlining for offshore projects. The article identifies a group of factors limiting cost efficiency of Arctic projects, specific to the Russian Arctic. It is established that the main factor limiting digital transformation of offshore projects in the Russian Arctic is the increasing technological underperformance of oil service companies. To build capacity in digital maturity of the offshore project supply chain, it is necessary to focus on disruptive technologies that could significantly lower the cost of oil production in the Arctic area.

Efficiency indicators in regulating distribution network operators` performance

DOI: 10.33917/mic-3.98.2021.86-94

The paper represents a system of indicators that allow evaluating the efficiency of regulation of distribution network operators. The indicators are harmonized with the sustainable development and energy security goals. The indicators are grouped into three levels (micro-, meso- and macroeconomic ones) and categorized according to their influence on economic, ecological and social challenges. A method of visualization of produced estimates in micro- and mesoeconomic levels is introduced. The method allows simplifying the complex efficiency estimation of regulation of distribution network operators.

Methodology for operational estimation of the investment attractiveness of the existing electric power generation in hard-to-reach areas modernization to the level of hybrid power installation

DOI: 10.33917/mic-3.98.2021.75-85

The article describes the main parameters affecting the economic efficiency of projects for the modernization of existing generation facilities to the level of autonomous hybrid power plants using renewable energy sources in hard-to-reach territories, an analysis is carried out and a methodology for assessing the investment efficiency of a project is obtained, key relationships between technical and economic parameters.

Staffing support for strategic projects of oil and gas companies: elements of the corporate environment and the evaluation method

DOI: 10.33917/mic-3.98.2021.65-74

The digital transformation in the oil and gas industry is in full swing, requiring constant updating of personnel competencies. The system of personnel training does not cope with the task of providing advanced education. High-tech industries are experiencing a personnel shortage. Corporate universities are more dynamic in their development and are able to quickly reflect on external changes. The purpose of the study is to identify elements of the corporate environment, the presence of which allows companies to provide personnel for strategic projects. Currently, the author considers the most significant elements to be a knowledge management system; HR analytics based on predictive analytics and big Data analysis (Big Data); the use of immersive educational technologies; a training workplace and personnel training costs. Based on the point-factor analysis, the author developed a methodology for assessing the role of the corporate university in the staffing of the company’s strategic projects. Based on the results obtained, it was possible to rank foreign and Russian oil and gas companies according to their ability to provide strategic projects with personnel with the required set of competencies.

Carbon intensity of natural gas and electricity, development of renewable energy sources in Russia and abroad

DOI: 10.33917/mic-3.98.2021.57-64

The analysis of methods for reducing the carbon intensity of pipeline gas and LNG and the development of renewable energy for the long term in Russia and the world is given. Considerable attention is paid to the conflict of interests of the German parties around the «Nord Stream 2» gas pipeline, which is particularly evident before the elections to the German Bundestag, which will be held on September 26, 2021.

The conclusion about the great environmental friendliness and economy of the «Nord Stream 2» is justified.

The analysis of the long-term program for the development of LNG production in the Russian Federation, adopted by the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation on March 16, 2021, is given.