Two licences in the 20th Licensing Round awarded Bream appraisal well completed

BG Group entered Norway in 2004, with the award of PL297 in the North Sea. The Group now has 20 licences (15 as operator), gained predominantly through licensing rounds and located in four core areas.

Key dates

2004
BG Group awarded first licence, PL297
BG Group opened office in Stavanger

2005
Completion of the Tulipan exploration well

2006
Awarded eight licences in the 19th Licensing Round

2007
Awarded operatorship of the Bream licence (PL407)
Completion of the Nucula exploration well

2008
Discoveries made at Pi North, Ververis and Jordbær

(6 licences, 5 operated)

This was the entry point into Norway, with BG Group applying its UK Central Graben expertise and experience across the Norwegian median line area. Many of the plays being explored in Norway are similar to those developed and matured in the UK.

In 2008, a discovery of a gas and oil accumulation was declared on Pi North (PL292) (BG Group 60% and operator). Field development studies have been initiated to progress a potential development of the discovery. Given its proximity to the median line, a tie-back to existing UK infrastructure such as the Armada platform is probable.

In third quarter 2009, an appraisal well was completed on the Bream oil discovery on licence PL407 (BG Group 40% and operator). In late 2009,
BG Group expects to spud the high-pressure/high-temperature Mandarin prospect (BG Group 96% and operator), with completion expected in first half 2010.

(4 licences, 3 operated)

In 2008, a discovery was made on the Jordbær exploration well (PL373S)
(BG Group 45% and operator). The Jordbær discovery, where gross reserves are estimated at 60-110 mmboe, is regarded as a potential play opener, with a number of similar prospects in BG Group-held licences in the vicinity. Analysis is ongoing and further drilling is planned in fourth quarter 2009.

(6 licences, 5 operated)

BG Group drilled its first commitment well in this area in 2007 and in 2008 completed three large operated 3D surveys. A new licence (PL522) was awarded to BG Group (40% and operator) in the 20th Licensing Round. Seismic will be acquired in 2009.

(4 licences, 2 operated)

BG Group completed its first Barents Sea well in 2007 with the Nucula well in PL393 (BG Group 20%). It was declared an oil and gas discovery. In 2008, an appraisal well found hydrocarbons. The licence remains under assessment for potential future opportunities. In July 2008, BG Group completed its second exploration well in the Barents Sea, on the Ververis prospect on licence PL395 (BG Group 30%). The well was declared a discovery and post-well analysis is ongoing. A new licence (PL534) (BG Group 40% and operator) was awarded in the 20th Licensing Round.