Equinor begins production at Halten East, expanding Norwegian gas exports to Europe

Equinor has officially commenced production at the Halten East development in the Norwegian Sea, reinforcing Norway’s position as a key energy supplier to Europe. The launch comes just two years after the project’s plan for development and operation (PDO) was approved in early 2023. Given the high demand for stable energy sources amid shifting geopolitical conditions, the Halten East project plays a crucial role in meeting Europe’s gas requirements.

Norway’s role as a key energy provider to Europe dates back several decades, with the discovery of major gas fields in the North Sea in the 1960s. By the 1980s, Norway had become one of Europe’s largest natural gas exporters, supplying countries reliant on Russian and Middle Eastern energy. The 1996 completion of the Åsgard field development, one of the most extensive offshore projects in Norway’s history, was a turning point that allowed the country to transport large volumes of gas efficiently. Halten East now benefits from this well-established infrastructure, further solidifying Norway’s role as a cornerstone of European energy security.

Located in the Kristin-Åsgard area, the Halten East development integrates six gas and condensate discoveries—Natalia, Sigrid, Nona, Flyndretind, Gamma, and Harepus—into existing infrastructure. With the first phase now operational and a second phase scheduled for 2029, Halten East exemplifies the strategic use of Norway’s offshore resources to maximize efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

How Does the Halten East Development Enhance Gas Supply?

Halten East is a tie-in development that benefits from established facilities at Åsgard B, reducing the need for new infrastructure while streamlining operations. The project’s first phase consists of six wells from five discoveries, while the second phase will introduce a sidetrack and up to three additional wells. With an overall investment of approximately NOK 9 billion across both phases, Halten East is expected to generate substantial economic and energy security benefits.

The recoverable reserves from the field are estimated at around 100 million barrels of oil equivalent, with a significant proportion allocated to gas production. Equinor has confirmed that gas from Halten East will be transported from Åsgard B to the Kårstø processing facility before being exported via pipeline to European markets. This ensures a steady supply of Norwegian gas at a time when Europe is actively seeking alternatives to Russian energy imports.

Norwegian pipeline exports have historically been a stabilizing factor for European energy security. During the Cold War, European nations sought to diversify their gas supply to avoid overreliance on Russian energy. Norway’s North Sea developments provided a critical alternative, and by the early 2000s, it had surpassed Russia as Western Europe’s largest gas supplier. The current expansion at Halten East continues this legacy, ensuring that Norway remains a vital component of Europe’s energy mix.

What Are the Economic and Environmental Implications of Halten East?

The launch of Halten East has provided a major boost to the Norwegian supply chain, with around 90% of total investments directed to local companies. The development phase is expected to support approximately 3,000 person-years of employment annually between 2022 and 2029, underscoring its impact on the domestic economy.

From an environmental standpoint, the Halten East project is designed to maintain a low emissions footprint. The CO2 intensity is projected to be just 3 kilograms per barrel of oil equivalent, reflecting Norway’s commitment to responsible resource development. By leveraging existing offshore platforms, Equinor has minimized new environmental disruptions while maintaining energy efficiency.

Historically, Norway has been at the forefront of sustainable offshore energy practices. Since the 1990s, the country has implemented strict environmental regulations to ensure that oil and gas projects maintain a low carbon footprint. Projects like Halten East are a direct outcome of this policy framework, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

How Has Equinor Strengthened Its Position in Halten East?

In November 2024, Equinor solidified its ownership in Halten East by acquiring an 11.8% stake from Sval Energi, increasing its overall share to 69.5%. This strategic move underscores Equinor’s commitment to maximizing its offshore production capacity and securing long-term value from the Norwegian continental shelf. The other partners in the project include Vår Energi, holding 24.6%, and Petoro, with a 5.9% stake.

Geir Tungesvik, Equinor’s executive vice president for projects, drilling, and procurement, emphasized the project’s timely delivery despite inflationary pressures and cost challenges. He noted that Halten East’s anticipated payback period is just one year, highlighting the project’s financial viability.

What Role Does Halten East Play in Norway’s Energy Strategy?

Norway has become an indispensable energy supplier to Europe, especially following the decline in Russian gas imports. In 2024, Norway set a record by exporting 117.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas to the continent, meeting over 30% of Europe’s gas needs. The integration of Halten East into this supply chain further strengthens Norway’s role as a reliable energy provider.

The Norwegian government has long supported a diversified energy policy, ensuring that offshore gas developments align with long-term European demand. The rapid development of Halten East is consistent with this approach, providing a near-term energy solution while Norway continues to explore alternative energy investments, including offshore wind and hydrogen production.

Kjetil Hove, Equinor’s executive vice president for development and production, emphasized the importance of collaborative resource management on the Norwegian continental shelf. He pointed out that Halten East is part of a broader initiative, with Equinor expecting to bring over 30 similar projects online by 2035. These developments will continue to enhance Norway’s energy infrastructure while maintaining cost-efficiency and low emissions.

What Are the Key Contracts and Industry Partnerships in Halten East?

The successful execution of Halten East has relied on partnerships with several industry leaders. The drilling contract was awarded to Transocean Spitsbergen, while Aker Solutions and OneSubsea have provided topside, subsea production systems (SPS), and umbilical engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services. Technip Norge has handled pipelay and marine installations, and TechnipFMC has contributed a flow assurance simulator, leak detection system, and UTIS technology.

By working with experienced offshore engineering firms, Equinor has ensured that the Halten East project aligns with industry best practices for efficiency and sustainability.

How Does Halten East Contribute to Europe’s Energy Stability?

The launch of Halten East marks a critical step in Europe’s efforts to secure reliable energy supplies. By integrating multiple smaller discoveries into a single production hub, Equinor and its partners have maximized resource utilization while ensuring consistent gas deliveries. This model aligns with Norway’s broader energy strategy, which prioritizes both economic viability and environmental responsibility.

As Europe continues to navigate a complex energy landscape, projects like Halten East play a crucial role in diversifying supply chains and stabilizing market conditions. Equinor’s ongoing investment in offshore developments reaffirms its commitment to long-term energy security, positioning Norway as a leading provider in the global gas market.