The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has approved expansion plans for the country’s second largest gas field, the 300 bcm Ormen Lange field. The field’s phase 3 extension is expected to increase gas extraction by up to 40 bcm, with the project expected to start in 2025. The Ormen Lange field, operated by Shell (who owns a 17.8% interest) and located in the eastern Norwegian Sea and will, as a result, increase gas recovery from 75% currently to 85%.
Subsequently, the Ministry also approved plans for developing two oil and gas discoveries: Tommeliten A and Frosk, located in the North Sea. Expected reserves at Tommeliten A are estimated at about 21 mcm of oil equivalent (5.36 mbl), whereas Frosk reserves are estimated at 1.51 mcm of oil equivalent (0.2 mbl). Production at these sites is expected to start in 2024 and 2023 respectively.
In 2021, Norway produced more than 118 bcm of natural gas, as well as 94 Mt of oil.