New discoveries in mature areas are still possible. This is particularly true in the area north of Troll, where Equinor and partners have now made seven discoveries since 2019. This exploration success due to the availability of new and better 3D seismic data, as well as challenging old concepts.
The latest discovery, Røver South, holds between 17 and 47 MMboe according to Equinor. This was confirmed by drilling of appraisal well 31/1-3 A, which was completed earlier this month. Equinor confirmed in a press release that the combination of proximity to Troll and other discoveries in the area means that Røver South is economically viable.
“Equinor has started field development projects to coordinate the development of these discoveries by utilising existing infrastructure in collaboration with our partners. This discovery will be part of this work,” says Sørtveit, Equinor’s senior vice president for exploration and production west operations.
Challenging old concepts
The Røver North discovery, announced February 2021, is an example of challenging old concepts. Situated in a previously underexplored part of the Lomre Terrace, the main perceived risk for the area was a lack of hydrocarbon migration. The idea was that hydrocarbons migrated either through the Oseberg area or via Fram. With Røver North proving 32-52 MMboe (recoverable) in what was previously thought of as a migration shadow, a new area opened up on the back of this success. Røver South has now proven this concept again.
Røver South
According the the NPD, well 31/1-3S found a gas column of about 80 metres in the Tarbert and Ness Formations of the Brent Group, and an oil column of around 50 metres in the Ness, Etive and Oseberg formations. Well 31/1-3 A encountered an oil column of approximately 20 metres in the Ness Formation.
Previous discoveries in the area are Echino South, Swisher, Røver North, Blasto, Toppand and Kveikje. This amounts to a total volume of around 350 MMboe.
Partners in Røver South are DNO, Wellesley Petroleum and Petoro. Results from the next exploration well in the area, Heisenberg, are expected in March. More exploration wells are planned in the area later this year.
