OMV Norge, the Norwegian arm of Austrian oil and gas company OMV, has made a major gas discovery offshore Norway.
The discovery was made after OMV (Norge) completed the drilling operations targeting the ‘Haydn/Monn’ exploration prospects in PL 1194.
Located 300km west of the Norwegian mainland, the well was drilled to a depth of 1,064m.
This discovery reveals substantial gas reserves, with preliminary estimates indicating recoverable volumes ranging between 30 and 140 million barrels of oil equivalent (mboe).
The gas find is about 65km from the Polarled pipeline and the Aasta Hansteen field’s existing infrastructure, the company said.
As the operator of PL1194, OMV (Norge) and its partners will assess the discovery further to consider the development of a potential gas field connected to the nearby infrastructure.
OMV (Norge) holds a 40% stake in PL 1194 while Vår Energi and Inpex Idemitsu Norge each hold a 30% stake.
The company said utilising the existing infrastructure, a subsea development linked to the Aasta Hansteen host platform will lead to quicker planning and execution and reduced development costs, along with a smaller carbon footprint.
OMV executive vice-president for energy Berislav Gašo said: “By focusing on gas as a transition fuel, OMV invests in affordable energy solutions and contributes to a more sustainable energy mix. We aim to increase the share of gas in our production portfolio to 60% by 2030. A commercial discovery will further advance our diversification, while high-grading our portfolio in Norway.
“Ultimately, today’s news further solidifies our position as a reliable gas supplier in Europe. This discovery could unlock significant potential in the area and extend the life of the Aasta Hansteen gas hub, in which OMV already has a stake.”
In September 2023, OMV and partners discovered gas in PL 1016, 45km south-east of Aasta Hansteen, with a 9m gas/condensate column and 5m of moderate to very good sandstone reservoir.
