Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Natural Gas Country Notes

Resource data have been obtained primarily from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD). Proved reserves are the highest in Europe (excluding the Russian Federation). The bulk of reserves is located in the North Sea, the rest having been discovered in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. The level of proved recoverable reserves reported by the NPD amounted to 2 358 bcm at end-2005; similar levels are quoted by Oil & Gas Journal, World Oil and BP. On the other hand, Cedigaz, OAPEC and OPEC give higher figures, which appear to include the NPD's 'contingent resources' and 'potential from improved recovery'. At end-2005, contingent resources in fields were put at 156 bcm, those in discoveries at 494 bcm and potential from improved recovery at 100 bcm. In addition, NPD estimated that the recoverable potential of undiscovered gas was 1 900 bcm.

In the NPD's terminology, 'reserves' cover 'remaining recoverable, saleable petroleum resources in petroleum deposits that the licensees have decided to develop, and for which the authorities have approved the PDO  or granted a PDO exemption'. 'Contingent resources' are defined as 'discovered quantities of petroleum for which no development decision has yet been made'. 'Undiscovered resources' are 'petroleum volumes which are expected to be present in defined exploration models, confirmed and unconfirmed, but which have not yet been proven through drilling'.

Norway's gas production continues to follow a rising trend. A high proportion (30% in 2005) of output is re-injected; nearly 94% of marketed production is exported. In 2005 supplies went to 12 European countries, principally Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, the UK and the Netherlands. Apart from gas industry own use, Norway's internal consumption of gas is still at a very low level, being largely confined to minor feedstock use.

* PDO = Plan for Development and Operation