The Norwegian Offshore Directorate has appointed Terra Stream Energy to study the Norselhøgda gas discovery in the Barents Sea, seeking a clearer estimate of recoverable resources and the technology needed for a possible development. Offshore Energy reported that the work is due to finish towards the end of the year, with the resulting model to be shared with companies for further assessment.
Norselhøgda, discovered in 1988 through well 7226/11-1, lies about 200 kilometres north of Hammerfest. Although the discovery underwent production testing, the acreage was later returned to the authorities. Its reservoir is tight and is likely to need stimulation, a technique the directorate says is already deployed elsewhere on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and internationally. The study is intended to support further evaluation rather than establish a development commitment.
Arne Jacobsen, the directorate’s assistant director for technology and subsurface, identified Norselhøgda as one of several sizeable Barents Sea gas discoveries warranting closer industry attention. According to Offshore Energy, the planned model will help companies assess additional mapping requirements and technologies that might enable development. The directorate also intends to organise a technical seminar for the industry in connection with the study.
The assessment could have relevance beyond the discovery itself. Comparable finds exist nearby, including in production licence 1313, north of Norselhøgda, which was awarded in APA 2025. Jacobsen suggested that examining the discoveries together could offer benefits if work on licence 1313 advances. Companies will be able to apply for Norselhøgda in the next APA licensing round. The directorate is also seeking renewed attention for the Gro and Linerle discoveries in the Norwegian Sea.
Infrastructure remains central to exploiting the Barents Sea’s gas potential and expanding export opportunities, the report said. Much of the region remains underexplored, while substantial acreage has not been opened for petroleum activity. Jacobsen put the CO2 content of gas proven in the area at 0.3%, saying this low level provides greater flexibility when using existing infrastructure. He presented a possible Norselhøgda development as one contribution towards the wider infrastructure requirements.