PDO for Norway's Nova development gets green light

STAVANGER -- Wintershall Norge AS and its partners have now received approval by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy for the plan for development and operation (PDO) for the Nova development, about 120 km northwest of Bergen, Norway. Germany’s largest internationally active crude oil and natural gas producer, and the partnership, submitted the PDO to the Ministry on May 16, 2018. The approved development solution for Nova field involves two subsea templates located on the ocean floor tied back to the nearby Gjøa platform, operated by Neptune Energy.

“This is another important landmark for Wintershall Norge. We believe in Norway and we are showing again through the Nova development that we are prepared to back up our commitment with investment. Good dialogue with the Norwegian authorities is a crucial component of our success in this country. We regard this approval as recognition of our ability to deliver projects on the Norwegian Continental Shelf,” said Hugo Dijkgraaf, Wintershall Norge Managing Director.

Nova field will be developed as a subsea tie-back, connecting two templates to the Gjøa platform for processing and export. Gjøa will also provide lift gas to the field and water injection for pressure support. Power for Nova field comes via the Gjøa platform from shore. This sustainable development solution is a win-win situation: Instead of building a new installation, the connection to the nearby platform will save costs for Wintershall and extend the economic life-time of the existing infrastructure.