Norway's Oil, Gas Investments Expected to Fall 9.3% in 2016

Norway is expected to decrease investments in oil and gas activities by 9.3% in 2016, Statistics Norway wrote on Tuesday, adding that the country should increase investments in electricity. 

‘The latest estimates for 2016 show that total investments are expected to amount to NOK 219.4 billion. This is 5.4 per cent lower than the corresponding figure for 2015. The decline is mainly due to a fall of 9.3 per cent within oil and gas’ reads the statement.  

Norway’s investments in oil and gas extraction and pipeline transport for 2016 are now estimated at NOK 171 billion. The decrease has to do with lower investments in exploration, fields on stream and pipeline transport. 

‘The decrease is due to a sharp decline in the exploration estimate. The exploration estimate decreased by 35.2 per cent to NOK 21.5 billion.’ 

On the other hand, field development, onshore activity and shutdown and removal are expected to increase the investment level compared to 2015.

LUNDIN COMMENCES DRILLING ON ØRNEN PROSPECT

Despite the gloomy forecasts, Lundin Norway commenced drilling of exploration well 7130/4-1 on the Ørnen prospect.

‘The reservoir is expected to consist of Upper Permian carbonates. The Ørnen prospect is estimated to contain gross unrisked prospective resources of 354 million barrels of oil equivalents (MMboe)’ Lundin wrote on Tuesday.  

Lundin Norway is the operator of PL708 with a 40 percent working interest. Edison Norge (20%), Lukoil Overseas North Shelf (20%), Lime Petroleum Norway (10%) and North Energy (10%) are Lundin’s partners.

Apart from the month of June, the country consistently reported an year-on-year increase in monthly gas production throughout 2015.