ConocoPhillips is committed to protecting the environment. In all of the company’s operations, the highest environmental standards are implemented to ensure that the company’s actions today will not only provide energy, but will also secure a stable environment for tomorrow.

Cleaner Produced Water

In 2005 and 2006, ConocoPhillips hosted the first successful offshore trial of the AquaPurge system, invented by an Aberdeen-based company to meet more stringent discharge regulations for the region.

The OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic required offshore operators to achieve 30 parts per million (ppm) oil-in-water concentrations and, more significantly, a 15 percent reduction in total oil-in-water from year 2000 levels by 2006.

AquaPurge uses ozone to oxidise oil and other organic contaminants in produced water. The process breaks down the contaminants into water, small amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and mineral salts. In most cases, the CO2 is dissolved into the water along with the salts, leaving just water as the effluent.

During field trials, the prototype AquaPurge unit was used for final polishing of the water treatment process onboard our Judy platform in the Central North Sea. It reduced oil-in-water content by as much as 60 percent, from around 30 ppm to less than 15 ppm. A commercial unit will soon be operational replacing the trial equipment. 

Combined Heat and Power

Our commitment to lower carbon technologies is demonstrated by our $400 million investment to expand our Immingham Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) in the UK. Due online in 2009, the 450-megawatt expansion – which will raise output to 1.18 gigawatts – will make Immingham CHP one of the world’s largest and most efficient power stations, contributing 12 percent towards the UK’s target to achieve 10 gigawatts of low carbon CHP by 2010.

CHP technology enables the production of electricity and steam and higher levels of energy efficiency and with lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than traditional methods of power generation.

Immingham CHP began commercial operation in 2004 and is one of the largest, cleanest and most efficient power plants of its type in Europe. It uses 20 percent less fuel and produces 25 percent less CO2 than the alternative of producing heat and power separately. As well as being a clean source of electricity, the plant burns surplus fuel gas produced by our neighbouring Humber Refinery, which as previously flared.

Immingham CHP provides steam and electricity to the Humber Refinery and feeds electricity to the UK National Grid. It is well placed to supply low-carbon energy to a wide range of local industrial customers. 

Nature Conservation

At the Humber Refinery, we have created a 120-acre woodland called Mayflower Wood, the largest project of its kind in the country. Since 2005, more than 67,000 trees and shrubs from a variety of native species have been planted. Employees worked with their neighbours to develop the project, which includes family picnic areas, nature trails, educational boards and a looped walkway connecting local villages. The wood is adjacent to the 15-acre Houlton’s Covert deer park, nature reserve and classrooms, which were developed for school and community visits and is also run by refinery volunteers. www.mayflowerwood.co.uk 

At our Teesside operations, we have invested millions of pounds and thousands of work hours in a large range of projects to protect the local air, land, water and wildlife. The company has worked with local groups such as the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and the Industry Nature Conservation Association over many years to develop and maintain wildlife habitats on our sites. As part of the Teesmouth Industry and Wildlife Parnership, ConocoPhillips and five other local companies work with English Nature to provide funding for the management of conservation projects in the Tees Estuary. Work funded through the partnership includes controlled stock grazing, water-level management, rotational ditch clearance, post and rail fencing and the construction of footpaths to allow access to hides overlooking Seal Sands. 

The SPIRIT of Conservation

Launched in 2005, the SPIRIT of Conservation is a focused and strategic initiative to conserve threatened birds and their habitats around the world. Priority for grants is given to projects that take place in the vicinity of ConocoPhillips’ facilities and operating areas. The programme enhances a 15-year partnership with The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation that has funded more than 40 projects with a total value in excess of $5 million.
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