Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Equinor Discovers Gas and Condensate in North Sea

Key highlights
  • The discoveries are located in production license 1140 between the Gudrun and Eirin fields.
  • Reservoirs may contain 5 to 18 million standard cubic meters of recoverable oil equivalents.
  • The production license was awarded in 2022 through the APA.
  • License holders are Equinor Energy AS (60%) and Aker BP ASA (40%).

New Discoveries

Equinor has identified two new gas and condensate discoveries in the Sleipner area of the North Sea. These are the company's largest finds this year, with potential for development through existing infrastructure to serve the European market.

Location and Estimates

The discoveries, named Lofn and Langemann, are situated in production license 1140, between the Gudrun and Eirin fields. Preliminary estimates suggest the reservoirs may hold between 5 and 18 million standard cubic meters of recoverable oil equivalents, equating to 30 to 110 million barrels.

Exploration Technology

The production license was granted to Equinor in 2022 via the APA (Awards in Predefined Areas). The drilling targets were identified using Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) seismic technology, which places sensors on the seabed for more precise geological data than traditional surface seismic methods.

Future Plans

The Sleipner area is a crucial hub for Norwegian gas exports to Europe. These discoveries bolster optimism for further exploration, with plans to drill five additional exploration wells. The Deepsea Atlantic rig, which drilled the current wells, will proceed to the next exploration site in the area.

License Holders

The license holders for these discoveries are Equinor Energy AS, holding a 60% stake, and Aker BP ASA, with a 40% stake.