Revolutionizing Offshore Energy: The Case for Nuclear-Powered Enhanced Oil Recovery

Nuclear energy boasts several advantages over conventional systems offshore, including higher energy density, superior reliability, lower operational costs and environmental benefits. One uranium pellet, which is about an inch tall, is comparable to 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas, 149 gallons of oil or one ton of coal, enabling compact and efficient power generation. Nuclear boasts higher capacity factors and lower failure rates than gas turbines, has a reduced need for maintenance and fuel logistics and produces near-zero greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced carbon capture capabilities.  

These benefits translate into a breakthrough technology – advanced offshore nuclear – that can increase oil recovery rates, potentially doubling production in some fields and improve financial performance through higher proven reserves and extended field life. 

Several projects in the Middle East and Gulf of Mexico have illustrated the potential of nuclear-powered EOR. In the Middle East, electrification efforts have already extended production by 20 years in some fields and increased daily production by 60%. With floating nuclear units, these gains could be significantly amplified. Additionally, in the Gulf of Mexico, simulations have shown that replacing traditional generators with nuclear power can reduce emissions by 80% and support advanced recovery techniques like carbon capture with CO2 injection, water injection and gas cap injection. 

An advanced offshore energy generation system can deliver energy in the forms of electricity or liquid fuels, like hydrogen, ammonia or water depending on the needs. It can effectively allow decarbonization, not only offshore but also onshore. The electricity generated enables the artificial lift and EOR offshore, and to the shoreside petrochemical or refinery, the floating nuclear unit can provide carbon-free energy needed for carbon capture onshore and carbon sequestration offshore. Electricity in the shoreside facility can also enable carbon capture from the natural gas received to then be converted into hydrogen (H2) or ammonia (NH3).  

Despite its promise, nuclear energy still faces significant hurdles, primarily around public perception and regulatory frameworks. Misconceptions about radiation and safety persist, even though modern nuclear technologies are inherently safer than many existing offshore systems. The industry must work collaboratively with regulators, classification societies and public stakeholders to build trust and establish clear guidelines for offshore nuclear deployment. 

The integration of nuclear energy into offshore oil and gas operations represents a paradigm shift. It not only addresses the energy trilemma—security, affordability and sustainability—but also positions the industry to meet investor and consumer demands for cleaner, more reliable energy.