ConocoPhillips Skandinavia, a subsidiary of U.S.-based energy major ConocoPhillips, together with partners Vår Energi, Orlen Upstream Norway, and Petoro, has sanctioned a major redevelopment project on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) aimed at extending the productive life of the Greater Ekofisk Area (GEA).
The joint venture has taken a final investment decision (FID) on the Previously Produced Fields (PPF) redevelopment project, which is expected to deliver high-value gas condensate production from 2028 onward and secure long-term value creation offshore Norway.
Operated by ConocoPhillips Skandinavia, the project involves the joint redevelopment of three previously produced fields—Albuskjell and Vest Ekofisk in licences PL018B/F, and Tommeliten Gamma in licences PL044/D. Recoverable resources are estimated at between 90 and 120 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe).
The fields were shut in during the late 1990s following infrastructure decommissioning and limited processing capacity at Ekofisk. Their redevelopment has been enabled by improved well placement, advances in horizontal drilling technology, and enhanced reservoir understanding, allowing for greater reservoir exposure and improved production rates.
Plans for development and operation (PDOs) are scheduled to be submitted to the Norwegian Ministry of Energy in the first quarter of 2026. Capital investment for the project is estimated at approximately NOK 14 billion (gross $1.3 billion) for PL018B/F and around NOK 5.5 billion (gross $500 million) for PL044/D.
The development concept includes 11 wells and four new subsea templates, all tied back to the Ekofisk Complex via a shared multiphase pipeline. First gas is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2028, subject to final regulatory approvals following PDO submission.
Steinar Våge, President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at ConocoPhillips, said:
“Our focus is on projects with a low cost of supply and increased gas deliveries to Europe. The PPF project advances our near-field resource strategy in the Greater Ekofisk Area, and we appreciate the strong support from our licence partners.”
Production capacity is expected to become available in the late 2020s, supporting continued gas output from the area. Following recent transactions, ConocoPhillips will hold a 35.1% interest in PL018B/F and a 28.3% interest in PL044/D.
The remaining partners include Vår Energi (52.3% in PL018B/F and 9.1% in PL044/D), Orlen Upstream Norway (7.6% in PL018B/F and 62.6% in PL044/D), and Petoro (5% in PL018B/F). Vår Energi has also announced plans to acquire TotalEnergies’ interest in PL018B/F, increasing its ownership to approximately 52%.
Torger Rød, Chief Operating Officer of Vår Energi, commented:
“The PPF project is a key development supporting our ambition to sustain production of 350,000–400,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day towards 2030 and beyond. It strengthens our position in the Greater Ekofisk Area while securing low-cost reserves with significant upside potential and long-term value creation.”