Barents Sea gas discoveries back in focus
Wisting will be a largely oil-based development, but as the Norwegian Offshore Directorate (NOD) points out, the Barents Sea also contains discoveries that could hold large volumes of gas.
Knowledge of some of these finds remains sparse. One is Norselhøgda, 200 km north of Hammerfest, which was proven in 1988 via exploration well 7226/11-1 in 1988.
Although a production test followed, the acreage was later relinquished to the Norwegian authorities.
“Norselhøgda is one of a number of discoveries the…Directorate believes the companies should take a closer look at,” said Arne Jacobsen, assistant director for Technology and Subsurface.
The NOD has asked consultants Terra Stream Energy to examine ways of firming up the recoverable resource at Norselhøgda.
“The objective is to develop a model that can be shared with companies so they can make further assessments of mapping and technologies that could help realise a potential development,” Jacobsen explained.
As the reservoir is tight, stimulation will likely be needed.
Other discoveries have been made relatively nearby, as in production license 1313 to the north, which was awarded in the APA 2025 licensing round. Norselhøgda itself will be made available in the next APA round.
Any future development of the gas would depend on establishing increased export infrastructure. “Realising Norselhøgda could be one step towards bringing this all into place,” Jacobsen suggested.
Gas found in the area has a modest CO2 content of 0.3%.
The study is due to be completed towards the end of this year. The NOD also wants to rekindle the industry’s interest in the Gro and Linerle gas discoveries in the Norwegian Sea.
