(WO) – The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has hired consulting firm Terra Stream Energy to study the Norselhøgda gas discovery in the Barents Sea. The goal is a better estimate of the discovery’s recoverable resources and a reservoir model that companies can use to assess development options. The study is due to finish around the end of the year. The directorate then plans to share the model and hold an industry seminar.
Norselhøgda lies about 200 km (124 mi) north of Hammerfest. Gas was discovered there in 1988 in well 7226/11-1, which was production-tested, but the acreage was later relinquished to the authorities. The reservoir is tight and will probably need stimulation, which the directorate noted is already used on the Norwegian continental shelf and elsewhere.
“Several major gas discoveries have been made in the Barents Sea which we still don’t know much about. Norselhøgda is one of a number of discoveries the Norwegian Offshore Directorate believes the companies should take a closer look at,” said Arne Jacobsen, the directorate’s assistant director for technology and subsurface.
Several comparable discoveries have been made nearby, including in production license 1313, north of Norselhøgda, which was awarded in the 2025 Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) round. “It’s possible that these discoveries could be viewed in an overall context. There could be benefits to extract if 1313 is developed further. The companies will have an opportunity to apply for Norselhøgda in the next APA round,” Jacobsen said.
Developing the area depends on new infrastructure and is especially relevant to plans for more gas export capacity. Jacobsen noted that gas found in the area has a very low CO₂ content, just 0.3%, which makes it easier to use existing infrastructure.
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