Equinor and partners Vår Energi, Idemitsu Petroleum, and Neptune Energy have made the biggest discovery so far this year on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). Preliminary estimates place the size of the discovery between 12 and 19 million standard cubic metres of recoverable oil equivalent, corresponding to 75-120 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalent.
“The discovery revitalises one of the most mature areas on the NCS. With discoveries in four of four prospects in the Fram area during the past 18 months, we have proven volumes that in total will create considerable value for society,” says Nick Ashton, Equinor’s senior vice president for exploration in Norway.
Exploration wells 31/2-22 S and 31/2-22 A in the Blasto prospect of production licences 090, 090 I, and 090 E were drilled about 3 km southwest of the Fram field, 11 km northwest of the Troll field, and 120 km northwest of Bergen.
Based on the quality of the resources and the proximity to existing infrastructure the discoveries can be developed and produced in line with Equinor’s climate goals. The company’s ambition is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from operated fields and onshore plants in Norway by 40% by 2030, compared to 2018.
“Equinor is already an industry leader in low-carbon production. The discoveries in the Fram area will help us reach our goal of a further 40% reduction by 2030 while maintaining the current production level,” says Ashton.
Exploration well 31/2-22 S struck a total oil column of around 30 metres in the upper part of the Sognefjord formation and an oil column of around 50 metres in the lower part of the Sognefjord formation. The oil-water contacts were proven at 1860 and 1960 metres respectively.
