Equinor submits EIA programme for Wisting development

Project and consultation

Equinor and partners have submitted a proposed programme for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of a possible Wisting field development in the Barents Sea and opened a 16-week public consultation. The project remains at an early stage and further progress depends on additional work to achieve a viable, profitable development.

Field scale and concept

Wisting is described as the largest oil discovery on the Norwegian continental shelf yet to be developed, with estimated recoverable volumes of just under 500 million barrels of oil equivalent. The partnership has selected a floating production and storage vessel (FPSO) as the development solution; the hull cannot be built at Norwegian yards due to size and infrastructure constraints.

Energy, emissions and technology choices

Power from shore was thoroughly assessed but ruled out because of technical complexity and high costs. The project is pursuing an energy-efficient gas turbine solution and will assess the potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce CO₂ emissions, contingent on suitable technological and regulatory conditions and acceptable costs and timelines.

Timeline, partners and impacts

Further maturation and sub-studies are ongoing, with final concept selection and possible continuation targeted toward the end of 2026 and a final investment decision planned for the end of 2027. If realised, Wisting would generate substantial revenues and long-term ripple effects for the Norwegian supplier industry, with around 30 years of operations and most activity occurring in Norway. Drilling, wells and subsea work account for about half of total investment. Licensees: Equinor Energy AS (42.5%), Aker BP ASA (27.5%), Petoro AS (20%) and INPEX Idemitsu Norge AS (10%).