EQUINOR has made a commercially viable gas discovery near the Gina Krog field in the North Sea, with potential to startup as early as this year.

Recoverable volumes are estimated to be between 5million and 16million barrels of oil equivalent.

The discovery will use existing infrastructure from the Gina Krog platform, while Equinor plan or production beginning before the end of the year.

Camilla Salthe, senior vice president for field life extension in Equinor, said: “The discovery will help extend the lifetime and strengthen the profitability of Gina Krog and is important for the entire Sleipner area.

“It will quickly bring new gas to Europe with good profitability and low CO₂ emissions from production. Gina Krog is already electrified and has spare capacity. 

“This shows how important it is to explore in mature areas on the Norwegian continental shelf.”

Equinor is the operator of Gina Krog with a 58.7% stake.