Knowhow, Skills and Experience
Projects Overview
The senior leadership team at Consortium Drilling has a wealth of experience gained from involvement in high-profile gas storage projects such as at Stublach, Holford, Hatfield Moor, Hill Top Farm, and the Aldbrough and Atwick Salt Cavern Gas Storage Facilities. At Aldbrough, Consortium drilling expertise and leadership were critical to the project’s success, ensuring seamless coordination across all phases—from drilling and leaching to workover and completions.
The team demonstrated exceptional adaptability and problem-solving skills, managing tight timelines and maintaining operational continuity despite significant geological and environmental challenges. Clear communication and collaboration between disciplines were central to aligning all teams with the project’s objectives. This leadership approach ensured the smooth integration of complex processes, setting a high standard for operational efficiency and safety.
The Aldbrough and Atwick Salt Cavern Gas Storage Facilities, located on the southeastern coast of Yorkshire, UK, is a key component of the British National Natural Gas Pipeline. Designed to store large volumes of natural gas, the facility features several underground caverns and a processing center. The caverns were created within the Fordon salt rock layer of the Zechstein Formation, which required precision drilling to ensure structural integrity.
Challenges
Adapting to Variable Geological Conditions: The Fordon salt rock layer, the target for cavern development, exhibited significant geological variability, These variations required careful planning and adaptable drilling techniques to ensure the caverns’ structural integrity.
Operational Coordination Across Phases: The project demanded seamless transitions between drilling, leaching, and workover and completions phases to meet tight timelines. Effective communication and collaboration between teams were critical to maintaining progress and ensuring that each phase aligned with the next.
Environmental Sensitivity in a Coastal Location: Operating near the southeastern coast of Yorkshire required strict adherence to environmental regulations to protect the surrounding area. Managing the project’s impact on the local ecosystem and community demanded innovative solutions to minimise disruptions while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solutions
Experienced Leadership and Operational Coordination Across Phases: The senior leadership team at Consortium Drilling played a central role in ensuring seamless transitions between project phases. Their ability to manage tight schedules while maintaining safety and efficiency was pivotal to the project’s success. Clear communication and coordination with the operator and EPC contractors ensured that objectives were met while minimising delays.
Environmental Sensitivity in a Coastal Location: Strict environmental protocols were implemented to minimise the project’s footprint, including waste management and measures to protect local wildlife. Noise and emission controls reduced disruptions to the surrounding community, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining community trust.
Collaboration and Adaptability: Working closely with the operator throughout the project, the team ensured alignment with the client’s objectives, maintaining clear communication and collaboration to address challenges such as geological variability and operational transitions.
Outcomes
The project was completed successfully, with caverns commissioned on time and meeting the rigorous standards required for safe and reliable gas storage. Today, the Aldbrough and Atwick facilities plays a critical role in managing the UK’s natural gas supply, contributing to the nation’s energy security.
The expertise and leadership demonstrated by the team at the Gas Storage Facilities, was instrumental in laying the foundations for the creation of Consortium Drilling. Their work provided invaluable opportunities to develop and refine the skills, operational strategies, and safety protocols that form the cornerstone of the company’s approach today. Through tackling diverse and complex challenges, they gained the experience that now enables Consortium Drilling to deliver operations with precision, innovation, and efficiency, always maintaining the highest safety standards.
Furthermore, the strong working relationship established with SSE plc during the Aldbrough and Atwick projects not only contributed to its success but continues to thrive, fostering opportunities for future collaborations and additional projects. These projects demonstrate the breadth of expertise within Consortium Drilling and highlight the company’s commitment to building long-term client relationships and delivering consistent, high-quality results.
Storing hydrogen in salt caverns is a crucial step in unlocking the full potential of a low-carbon energy future. Salt caverns offer a unique and proven method for safely and efficiently storing large volumes of hydrogen, enabling us to balance supply and demand in an increasingly renewable-driven energy system. By utilising this natural geological resource, we can ensure a reliable, scalable storage solution that will support the transition to a hydrogen economy, stabilise the energy grid, and help meet our net-zero ambitions.