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North Sea says. “Another part is related to use of for exploration. boosting, and compression technology existing infrastructure vs building new. “Today, optimism is back in the could prove important to develop new

Area solutions to establish new infra- Barents Sea. In the last three years more discoveries,” she says. structure may involve many companies than 20 wells have been drilled. The The lack of gas infrastructure in the with different strategies. It can be com- number of exploration wells recorded region is a particular challenge. “Today’s mercially challenging to coordinate terms last year were the highest ever and infrastructure – mainly the Snøhvit LNG and schedules.” we may break this record already this facilities—cannot make room for new gas

To address this, in 2012, the NPD year,” Sølvberg says. So far in 2014, four until earliest 2045. This could become established an area forum in the Gjøa exploration wells have been completed an obstacle for further exploration and area, called Q35, in order to coordinate and three are in progress. During the development. Therefore, area solutions development of several discoveries and next two years 15-18 wells are planned, and coordination across licenses is vital.” maximize use of existing infrastructure. and more drill or drop decisions will be With high cost levels and the industry

The NPD is now considering similar ini- made. seeking to reduce economic exposure, tiatives for other areas on the NCS. “The Johan Castberg area has more there will be signifcant opposing forces than 500MMbbl to be developed. The trying to fnd solutions across produc-

The Barents Sea

Wisting and Gohta discoveries are excit- tion licenses, making the NPD’s task

The Barents Sea offers the greatest ing. Results from ongoing wells like to develop the Barents Sea holistically potential on the NCS. There has been Apollo, Hanssen, Gohta appraisal and crucial, she says. exploration activity in the Barents Sea later Alta will give important informa-

Conclusion since the ffth concession round in tion in order to evaluate the development 1980. Optimism was initially high, with potential in these areas.” “Both the emerging Barents Sea and several gas discoveries in the 1980s. Apart from the oil price, technol- the aging part of the NCS introduce

Interest then waned and after a num- ogy development and area solutions, to new challenges, but we believe in the ber of dry wells were drilled and not a reduce unit costs, are key to the Barents opportunities. We believe development single well was drilled in 1994-2000. Sea’s future, Sølvberg says. of technological solutions that go hand in

The government suspended activities “The combination of shallow reser- hand with good area solutions is the key in 2001, while an impact assessment voirs, low pressures, and long distances to success. The NPD expects license own- for year-round petroleum activities in call for development and implementation ers to cooperate with each other, contrac- the Barents Sea was drawn up, and in of new technology. In the Barents Sea, tors, and authorities to fnd coordinated

December 2003, the area was reopened the development of subsea separation, and holistic solutions.” oedigital.com August 2014 | OE 121 000_OE0814_geofocus5_NPD.indd 121 7/23/14 1:22 AM