Equinor starts gas production at Halten East in the Norwegian Sea

Equinor has begun gas production at Halten East, a NOK 9 billion project in the Norwegian Sea, two years after receiving approval from Norwegian authorities.

Partagez:

Equinor announced the start of gas production at the Halten East development, located in the Norwegian Sea. This project is particularly strategic due to the growing demand for Norwegian gas in Europe, which is essential for energy security. The execution was completed on time and within budget, despite a challenging economic environment marked by inflation and high costs. According to Geir Tungesvik, Executive Vice President for Projects, Drilling, and Procurement at Equinor, “The project has been delivered on time and within cost estimates,” with a return on investment estimated at one year.

The Development of Halten East

The Halten East development is located in the Kristin-Åsgard area of the Norwegian Sea, and includes six gas discoveries. The project is carried out in collaboration with Vår Energi and Petoro, with both partners alongside Equinor. The first development phase consists of six wells from five discoveries. The second phase is scheduled for 2029 and could include an additional well and three other potential wells. The total project investment amounts to NOK 9 billion (approximately USD 800 million) for both phases. First production was launched from the Gamma well, in line with the established timeline, with recoverable reserves estimated at around 100 million barrels of oil equivalent.

A Project Focused on Cooperation and Efficiency

Kjetil Hove, Executive Vice President for Development and Production on the Norwegian Continental Shelf at Equinor, highlighted that Halten East demonstrates the importance of collaborative industrial solutions between license holders and authorities. He added that Equinor plans to bring over 30 similar projects on stream on the Norwegian continental shelf by 2035. This strategy focuses on leveraging gas discoveries using existing infrastructure, minimising costs, and reducing emissions.

Economic Impact and Local Employment

The economic impact of the project is significant for Norway. Around 90% of Halten East investments have been allocated to Norwegian suppliers, and the development phase is expected to generate about 3000 person-years of employment annually through 2029. In November 2024, Equinor acquired an 11.8% stake in the Halten East Unit from Sval Energi, raising its ownership to 69.5%. This acquisition strengthens its position as the primary operator of the project.

Energy Transfer strengthens its partnership with Chevron by increasing their liquefied natural gas supply agreement by 50% from the upcoming Lake Charles LNG export terminal, strategically aiming for long-term supply security.
Woodside finalises the divestment of a 40% stake in the Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak, injecting $5.7 billion to accelerate developments and optimise financial returns ahead of first gas delivery scheduled in 2026.
Keranic Industrial Gas seals a sixty-day exclusivity deal to buy Royal Helium’s key assets, raise CAD9.5mn ($7.0mn) and bring Alberta’s Steveville plant back online in under fifteen weeks.
The Irish-Portuguese company Fusion Fuel strengthens its footprint in the United Arab Emirates as subsidiary Al Shola Gas adds AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in new engineering contracts, consolidating an already robust 2025 order book.
Cheniere Energy validates major investment to expand Corpus Christi terminal, adding two liquefaction units to increase its liquefied natural gas export capacity by 2029, responding to recent international agreements.
A study by the International Energy Agency reveals that global emissions from liquefied natural gas could be significantly reduced using current technologies.
Europe is injecting natural gas into underground storage facilities at a three-year high, even as reserves remain below historical averages, prompting maximized imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
South Korea abandons plans to lower electricity rates this summer, fearing disruptions in liquefied natural gas supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, despite recent declines in fuel import costs.
Russia positions itself to supply liquefied natural gas to Mexico and considers expanded technological sharing in the energy sector, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.
Israel has partially resumed its natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan following a week-long halt due to the closure of two major offshore gas fields, Leviathan and Karish.
Nepal reveals a significant potential reserve of methane in the west of the country, following exploratory drilling conducted with technical support from China, opening new economic prospects.
Belgrade is currently finalising a new gas contract with Russia, promising Europe's lowest tariff, according to Srbijagas General Director Dusan Bajatovic, despite Europe's aim to eliminate Russian imports by 2027.
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy have won the Ahara exploration licence, marking a new stage in their partnership with SONATRACH on a vast area located between Berkine and Illizi.
After four years of interruption due to regional insecurity, TotalEnergies announces the upcoming resumption of its liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, representing a $20bn investment.
The French group has acquired from PETRONAS stakes in several licences covering more than 100,000 km² off Malaysia and Indonesia, consolidating its Asian presence and its exposure to the liquefied natural gas market.
In response to rising summer electricity consumption, Egypt signs import agreements covering 290 shipments of liquefied natural gas, involving major international firms, with financial terms adjusted to the country’s economic constraints.
Egyptian fertilizer producers suspended their activities due to reduced imports of Israeli gas, following recent production halts at Israel's Leviathan and Karish gas fields after Israeli strikes in Iran.
A report identifies 130 gas power plant projects in Texas that could raise emissions to 115 million tonnes per year, despite analysts forecasting limited short-term realisation.
Japanese giant JERA will significantly increase its reliance on US liquefied natural gas through major new contracts, reaching 30% of its supplies within roughly ten years.
Sustained growth in U.S. liquefied natural gas exports is leading to significant price increases projected for 2025 and 2026, as supply struggles to keep pace with steadily rising demand, according to recent forecasts.