Equinor has started gas production at Halten East , a key development in the Norwegian Sea, which strengthens gas supplies to Europe and contributes to the continent’s energy security. This project, key to Europe’s energy security, seeks to make the most of existing infrastructure and optimize the resources of the Norwegian continental shelf.
A strategic bet
Halten East, located in the Kristin-Åsgard area, is a linkage development comprising six gas discoveries with the potential to add three additional prospects in the future . The total project investment amounts to approximately NOK 9 billion and involves Equinor as the main operator, with a 69.5% stake, followed by Vår Energi ASA (24.6%) and Petoro AS (5.9%).
The first producing well, Gamma, marks the start of a first phase that includes six wells from five discoveries. A second phase is planned for 2029, which will include a diversion and three additional wells, further consolidating the field’s productive capacity.
Impact on gas supply to Europe
The gas extracted from Halten East will be transported from Åsgard B to Kårstø , from where it will be exported to Europe via a pipeline. This development comes at a time of high demand for Norwegian gas on the continent, reinforcing its role in the region’s energy stability.
Equinor has highlighted that nearly 90% of the investment in Halten East has been allocated to Norwegian suppliers, which has boosted the local economy and generated approximately 3,000 jobs annually between 2022 and 2029. Furthermore, the project design has prioritized low-emission solutions, aligning with the Scandinavian country’s sustainability goals.
Future prospects for gas production in Halten East
Equinor continues to strengthen its presence on the Norwegian continental shelf with plans to develop more than 30 similar projects by 2035. The recent acquisition of Sval Energi’s 11.8% stake in the Halten East Unit further strengthens its control over the field and its commitment to resource optimization.
With this initiative, Equinor strengthens its position in the energy sector and reinforces security of supply for Europe, ensuring a reliable source of gas amid volatile international markets.
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Source and photo: Equinor
