Oljedirektoratet

Extended lifetime for Mikkel

14/02/2023 The authorities have granted Equinor consent for extended use of the subsea facility on the Mikkel field in the Norwegian Sea from July 2023 to October 2028.

Mikkel started producing nearly 20 years ago (August 2003).

The 2001 plan for development and operation (PDO) states that production is expected to last until 2019, with rich gas extraction of 22 billion standard cubic metres (Sm3).

At year-end 2022, Mikkel had, according to Equinor, produced nearly 34 billion Sm3 of gas.

Mikkel produces through the Åsgard subsea compression plant to the Åsgard B platform. Since 2015, that plant and its pioneering technology have contributed to increased production and an extended lifetime for Mikkel.

The next generation of compressors is currently being developed, and the plan is for them to become operational in 2025.

Illustration showing subsea facilities on the Mikkel field

Illustration: Equinor

In 2015, Equinor and its partners in the Åsgard and Mikkel licences started up the world’s first subsea gas compression plant. This is one of the most challenging technology projects for improved recovery ever implemented.

The project will result in extra production of more than 300 million barrels of oil equivalent.

The Mikkel field currently produces both condensate and gas from the development wells. The Mikkel gas has a low CO2 content and plays an important role in diluting gas from the Åsgard field, which has a high CO2 content.

The current expected production profile for Mikkel is estimated up to 2034. The authorities expect an application for extended operation prior to 2028.

Mikkel is developed with two subsea templates and is connected to Åsgard B with a production flowline via Midgard, which is part of Åsgard.

Contact

Ola Anders Skauby

Director Communication, public affairs and emergency response

Tel: +47 905 98 519

Updated: 15/02/2023

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