Wintershall Dea files $830mn plan to develop Norwegian gas field

Germany's Wintershall Dea and its partners at the Dvalin North gas field have committed to investing €780mn ($829mn) in developing the Dvalin North gas field off Norway – the largest discovery to be made on the country's continental shelf last year.

Wintershall Dea submitted a plan for development and operation of the field, estimated to hold 84mn barrels of oil equivalent, on December 13 to the Norwegian energy ministry. Dvalin North, which will be tied back to the Heidrun platform, is due on stream in late 2026. Its gas will be exported via the Polarled pipeline.

"The field builds on our existing position as one of the largest producers of Norwegian gas at a time when Europe needs more energy," Wintershall Dea's COO, Dawn Summers, commented. "Committing to a development only the year after discovery is very rare, but shows our determination to supply natural gas to Europe through a major investment in Norway."

Dvalin Nord was discovered in March 2021. Wintershall Dea operates the field with a 55% share, while Petoro has 35% and Sval Energi has 10%.

The main Dvalin field is expected up and running in 2023. Originally it was due to start up late last year, but Wintershall Dea postponed the launch after its gas was found to contain too high levels of mercury.