Equinor Launches Gas Production from Barents Sea Subsea Field
Norway’s state-owned energy company Equinor has officially commenced gas production from a subsea field located in the Barents Sea. The extracted gas is being transported to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility on Melkøya island for further processing.
Production Benefits Hammerfest LNG Plant
Equinor announced the initiation of production at the Askeladd Vest field on September 19, highlighting its significance in supporting ongoing operations at the Hammerfest LNG processing plant. This facility is noted for being the only one in Northern Europe that processes and exports LNG. The Hammerfest LNG plant is capable of producing 6.5 billion standard cubic meters of gas annually, which accounts for approximately 5% of Norway’s total gas exports and about 2% of the European Union’s gas demand.
Workforce and Transportation Logistics
Approximately 700 individuals are employed at the Melkøya facility, where specialized LNG carriers depart every five days to deliver the cooled liquid gas to markets across Europe. “Askeladd Vest marks a crucial advancement in the Snøhvit field’s development and will ensure sustained production at Hammerfest LNG until the implementation of onshore compression as part of the Snøhvit Future initiative in 2028,” stated Grete B. Haaland, Equinor’s Senior Vice President for Exploration and Production North.
Askeladd West Field Details
The Askeladd West field comprises two wells situated in a new subsea template connected to the Askeladd field, which is a satellite field of Snøhvit that began production in 2022, 41 years after its initial discovery. The gas extracted from Askeladd West is transported through a network of pipelines extending 195 kilometers to Melkøya, which is also linked to Snøhvit via a 143-kilometer pipeline. Equinor estimates that recoverable reserves from Askeladd West reach around 15 billion standard cubic meters, with investments totaling just over NOK 3 billion, approximately $300 million.
Background on Snøhvit Field
The Snøhvit field, which contains both gas and condensate, was discovered in 1984 and has been in production since August 2007. It represents the first field developed in the Barents Sea, as confirmed by its operator. The Snøhvit field has been systematically developed to ensure consistent output from the Hammerfest LNG plant, with a total of 18 wells drilled, including 16 production wells and two designated for carbon dioxide reinjection. The development of Askeladd West is integral to the phased operational strategy for the Snøhvit field.
Future Plans for Energy Supply
The Snøhvit Future project aims to secure a reliable energy supply for Europe through 2050 by implementing onshore compression and electrifying the Hammerfest LNG facility. This initiative is designed to reduce emissions while extending the operational life of the Snøhvit field. Equinor operates the field and holds a 36.79% interest, with key partners including Petoro (30%), TotalEnergies EP Norge (18.40%), Vår Energi (12%), and Harbour Energy Norge (2.81%).
Industry Reactions and Upcoming Projects
Torger Rød, COO of Vår Energi, expressed congratulations to Equinor on the successful start of Askeladd West. “This field will contribute around 11 million barrels of oil equivalent net to Vår Energi, further solidifying our role as a significant player in the Barents Sea. Norway is a vital gas supplier to Europe, with Vår Energi being one of the largest gas exporters in the country,” Rød commented. This announcement follows Equinor’s recent approval to drill the 6407/1-B-2 H wellbore, known as the Tyrihans East prospect, with operations expected to commence in October.
