Snorre expansion project in North Sea set to begin production

Norwegian authorities have approved Equinor and partners’ plans to begin production from the Snorre expansion project in the North Sea.

In July 2018, the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy approved the plan for development and operation (PDO) for the expansion of the Snorre field for increasing recovery from it by almost 200 million barrels and for extending the field life beyond the year 2040.

The Snorre field, which is located in the Tampen area, has been in production since 1992. Its expansion project involved an investment of over NOK 19 billion ($2.07 billion).

Details of the Snorre expansion project

The Snorre expansion project saw the installation of half a dozen subsea templates, which have been tied into the Snorre A platform.

As part of the project, 24 new wells, of which 13 production wells and 11 VAG (water-alternating gas) injectors will be drilled.

Arvid Østhus – Norwegian Petroleum Directorate assistant director development and operations – North Sea, commenting on the Snorre expansion project startup, said: “The expansion of Snorre is a result of tireless work by both the companies and the authorities; work which has been ongoing for close to 15 years.”

Illustration of the Snorre expansion project in the North Sea. Image courtesy of Equinor.