OREANDA-NEWS. April 02, 2009. In 2009, TNK-BP has opened a new phase in implementation of a program aimed at raising the energy efficiency of oil production and is going to increase it by 7% in three years compared to the level of actual energy consumption by the company in 2008, according to company’s materials, reported the press-centre of TNK-BP.

The necessity of changing the approach to power consumption expenditures is caused by the 20% rise of electricity prices and the expected considerable surge of prices in the wake of planned liberalization of the energy market by 2011. The complexity of this problem is augmented by the fact that the water cut of the well stream grows due to the high depletion of the main fields of TNK-BP.

In accordance with the program, subsidiaries of TNK-BP started implementation of infrastructure projects, including those for maximization of pumping equipment efficiency and optimization of well stream transportation flows, and assessment of various scenarios for altering the field development strategies and increasing their energy efficiency. All these measures will reduce the energy consumption of the company by 1.5–2% by early 2010.

Discussions on development of the energy-saving system are now underway in the State Duma (Russian Parliament). The goals set in the draft legislative document of the State Duma may only be achieved by means of highly efficient and well balanced mechanisms of stimulating and administrative regulation.

According to the company, attainment of these goals requires considerable changes in the conceptual approach of this document to establishment of a certain “sufficient level” of energy consumption for all consumers with payments for exceeding this level and to control of compliance with these requirements by state authorities. The company holds that this mechanism will not objectively stimulate higher energy efficiency, will result in unproductive diversion of resources, and, most importantly, will amplify corrupt practices during its implementation.