The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has appointed Terra Stream Energy to study the Norselhøgda gas discovery in the Barents Sea and refine estimates of its recoverable resources.
The work is scheduled to finish in late 2026. Its intended output is a model that energy companies can use when assessing further subsurface mapping and technical options for development. The directorate also intends to release the model to industry and host a seminar.
Reservoir characteristics and infrastructure are important considerations for any future development. The directorate describes Norselhøgda as a tight reservoir, where stimulation would probably be necessary. These techniques are already in use offshore Norway and in other petroleum-producing regions.
Arne Jacobsen, Assistant Director for Technology and Subsurface at the directorate, reported a CO₂ concentration of 0.3% in gas discovered in the area. He said this characteristic provided greater flexibility when making use of infrastructure already in place.
The directorate nevertheless identified infrastructure development as a requirement for accessing more Barents Sea resources and increasing gas exports. Exploration remains limited across much of the region, and extensive areas are not open to petroleum operations.
Norselhøgda dates back to a gas find in well 7226/11-1 in 1988. The location is approximately 200 km to the north of Hammerfest. Production tests were conducted, although the acreage was subsequently handed back to the Norwegian authorities.
The study could also support consideration of discoveries across the surrounding area. Production licence 1313, situated farther north, was granted under APA 2025. Jacobsen said advancing that acreage could create benefits from assessing nearby discoveries jointly.
According to Jacobsen, companies can seek rights to Norselhøgda through the forthcoming APA licensing round. He identified the discovery as one of several Barents Sea finds that warrant another assessment by industry.
The directorate is also encouraging companies to revisit Gro and Linerle, two undeveloped discoveries in the Norwegian Sea.
