(Narrator) In the waters around Australia
lies a massive ecological challenge,
the decommissioning of over 3,500km of oil and gas pipeline
and dozens of platforms.
This infrastructure is close to the end of its working life
and therefore has the potential to become a widespread
and severe environmental hazard.
But instead, what if these structures could contribute
something positive to the environment and society in the future?
Using a range of tools and capabilities,
CSIRO can help identify methods which minimise risk to the environment,
maximise re-use and minimise cost to industry.
[Music plays]
When viewed from the surface, these structures
seem industrial and lifeless, however go beneath the waves
and you see a different story unfold.
Life appears and thrives.
Over time, some pipelines and platforms have become home
to a diverse range of marine life.
Using Advanced Habitat Modelling we can determine
how important these habitats are
and how important they could become in the future.
As oceans warm due to climate change, a vast number of marine species
will shift their geographical range.
Some are already moving at rates of over 70km per decade.
In the vast expanse of the open sea, these structures, or parts of them,
could act as stepping stones for animals searching for a new home.
However, it may not just be native species that benefit from
these safe harbours.
The existence of invasive species on a structure
could be a serious threat to bio-security.
An oil platform is the central hub in a network of vessels ferrying
cargo, personnel and product to domestic and international ports.
Regular inspection and cleaning of platforms plays a key role
in avoiding the spread of invasive species.
If a platform is repurposed as a marine habitat,
CSIRO can conduct risk assessments to help ensure invasive species
don’t use them to reach other vulnerable locations.
This becomes increasingly important when considering
translocating segments of a structure for use as an artificial reef.
[Music plays]
When removing structures we run into our next challenge, contaminants.
As oil and gas is extracted contaminants from deep in the earth
become concentrated in pipes.
The removal process may kick up the sediment around the structures
and release dormant contaminants into the environment.
A range of tools are required to balance the importance of a habitat
with the threat of invasive organisms and contaminants.
[Music plays]
The most exciting future for oil and gas infrastructure requires
all of the tools and capabilities at our disposal
repurposing for the blue economy.
From renewable energy projects harnessing the power of the sea,
to sustainable aquaculture facilities feeding a growing world,
the blue economy could transform these structures
into something entirely new.
This opportunity not only utilises the underlying physical assets
but also the expertise and experience of the people working offshore.
There are many pathways forward, whether it be as a habitat,
a lifeline for marine animals,
or economic potential in emerging industries,
one thing is certain,
the story is not over for our offshore infrastructure.
It’s only just beginning.
[Music plays]