Vår Energi has successfully started production through the Jotun FSPO. This marks the start of a new era for the Balder field in the North Sea, extending the life of the first production licence, PL001, on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, adding high value barrels towards 2045 and beyond.
By bringing the Jotun FPSO onstream, production is expected, within three to four months after start-up, to increase by approximately 80 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboepd) gross, on top of the current production of approximately 30 kboepd gross through the Balder FPU and Ringhorne facilities. The Jotun FPSO will have a low operating cost of around USD 5 per barrel and estimated gross proved plus probable recoverable reserves from the project at 150 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe).
'Vår Energi is set for transformative growth in 2025. Together with the recent start-ups of Halten East and Johan Castberg, this marks a key milestone in reaching our production target of more than 400 kboepd in the fourth quarter of this year. Furthermore, with infrastructure and facilities designed to extend production beyond 2045, the start-up of the Jotun FPSO opens up wide potential for continued value creation from the area. I wish to extend the Company's gratitude to the people in the project organisation, our suppliers, employees and our partner for the strong dedication and collaborative efforts required in successfully completing this complex project. Also, the support by the Norwegian authorities has been fundamental, and much appreciated,' said Nick Walker, CEO of Vår Energi.
All 14 production wells have been completed and will be brought onstream during the ramp-up period to reach peak production. Together with the Balder Phase V project starting up later this year, the project has a payback time of around two years (1). In addition, with the Jotun FPSO installed as an area host, Vår Energi is taking necessary steps to add new production through infill drilling, exploration and tie-back developments with short time to market. Vår Energi is operator (90%) of the Balder field, with Kistos Energy Norway AS as partner (10%).
(1) From production start-up
Source: Vår Energi
