General – Oil and Gas Production Norway
A high activity level contributes to strengthening Norway’s role as a safe and stable energy supplier to Europe.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Norway has become Europe’s largest exporter of natural gas. This is a consequence of the EU’s goal to reduce imports of Russian gas.
“Norway has fortified its role as a predictable and long-term supplier of energy to Europe, not least as regards gas,” says NPD Director general Torgeir Stordal.
• During the first five months of 2023 production figures are 50.5 billion Sm3 gas, 43 million Sm3 oil, 5.5 million Sm3 NGL/condensate.
• Exploration: A total of 18 exploration wells have been drilled, 12 of which are wildcat wells. Discoveries have been made in 7 of the wells.
• The discoveries total between 9 and 32 million Sm3 oil equivalent (o.e.).
• APA 2022: Of the 47 production licences, 29 are in the North Sea, 16 in the Norwegian Sea and 2 in the Barents Sea. 20 of the production licences are additional acreage for existing production licences.
• Production starts: Bauge, Fenja, Hyme restarted.
• Plans for Development and Operation (PDOs): 24 approved projects.
• Carbon capture and storage: 2 areas announced, 2 exploitation licences awarded.
Gas production
Gas production through the first five months of the year amounts to 50.5 billion standard cubic metres (Sm3) of gas.
“Production for the first four months was about on par with last year’s level, which was the year when we delivered the most energy in the form of gas. Maintenance work in May has led to somewhat lower production,” Stordal says.
Oil production
43 million Sm3 (270 million barrels) of oil were produced from the Norwegian shelf during the first five months of this year, which is a bit higher than in 2022. This is due to the fact that Johan Sverdrup phase 2 in the North Sea came on stream towards the end of last year. Additional fields have started to produce in the first six months of 2023.
Discoveries
Exploration activity has been high so far this year with 12 completed wildcat wells, with discoveries made in more than half. The authorities expect the high exploration activity to continue through the autumn. A total of just under 40 wildcat and appraisal wells are expected this year. This means that exploration is holding steady at a high level.
“Most of the wells are being drilled near infrastructure, which could yield valuable additional resources for existing fields. At the same time, it’s important that the companies also drill wells in less-explored areas,” Stordal says.
Knowledge about offshore wind
In 2023, the NPD has continued its efforts to conduct pilot surveys for offshore wind in Sørlige Nordsjø ll and Utsira Nord. Data acquisition in Sørlige Nordsjø ll started in mid-April, and data processing is well underway. Data acquisition in Utsira Nord started in early June.
This will provide important knowledge for future placement of wind turbines offshore.
