Equinor has formally commenced production at its Halten East development project in the Norwegian Sea, a milestone two years since Norwegian authorities approved the development project. The development project will contribute to Europe’s increasing demand for gas and improve the energy security of the region.

Project Delivery

Geir Tungesvik, Equinor’s executive vice president for projects, drilling, and procurement, mentioned that they were starting up Halten East at a time when piped gas from Norway was in high demand and crucial for energy security. He also noted that, despite a challenging cost and inflation environment, the project had been completed on time and within the estimated cost.

Halten East Overview: Six Gas Discoveries and Future Plans

Halten East is a connected development located in the Kristin-Åsgard region of the Norwegian Sea. The project includes six gas discoveries and has provisions for three additional prospects. The growth uses available infrastructure and processing facilities at Åsgard B, which is a good means to maximize production. In February 2023, Norwegian authorities approved the development and operation plan (PDO), and the first well, Gamma, is now producing gas.

The first stage of the project comprises six wells from five discoveries, and the second stage will be executed in 2029. The second phase will involve a sidetrack and three additional possible wells. The second phase will also include a sidetrack and up to three more potential wells. Equinor estimates the total investment for both phases at NOK 9 billion.

Gas Reserves and Export to Europe

The gas and condensate reservoirs at Halten East will hold recoverable reserves of around 100 million barrels of oil equivalent. The Åsgard B infrastructure will transport the gas to the Kårstø processing plant, which will then export it to Europe via pipeline.

Also read: Equinor Faces Backlash Over Discrepancy in Sleipner CO2 Storage Claims

Local Economic Contributions and Job Creation

Approximately 90% of the Halten East project investment has gone to Norwegian suppliers, which is a testament to the economic contribution of the project to Norway. The project will also contribute approximately 3,000 person-years of employment each year from 2022 to 2029, generating a significant number of jobs within the region.

In November 2024, Equinor purchased an 11.8% stake in Halten East from Sval Energi, bringing its ownership to 69.5%.

Avangrid, Inc., an energy company under the Iberdrola Group, has begun exporting power from its Camino solar project in Kern County, California. This achievement comes ahead of the planned commercial operation of the 44 MWac plant, which is set to begin later this spring. The Camino project will deliver clean energy to California while stimulating the regional economy and benefiting households, businesses, and industries.

Milestone Achievement for Avangrid’s Camino Solar Project

Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, said, “First energy is always cause for celebration, and is a direct result of years of hard work developing and building a new project.”

He added, “Camino will help meet a growing demand for power and support the region’s energy independence, while creating jobs and delivering key economic benefits.”

The Camino project includes the installation of around 105,000 solar panels, which went online late last year. The plant will produce as much electricity to supply about 14,000 homes a year. The Kern County $100 million Camino project employed 100 workers, who were predominantly local union construction workers.

Aside from creating local jobs, the project will contribute approximately $15 million in state and local taxes over its lifespan, otherwise benefiting public goods in the area.

Collaboration with Labor Unions

The project also involved significant contributions from Local 220 of LiUNA!, whose members worked alongside Avangrid’s contractors to complete the project on time and within budget. Hertz Ramirez, Business Manager for Local 220, highlighted that the construction work provided local apprentices and journeymen with valuable experience while earning competitive wages and benefits.

Also read: Avangrid Expands Fleet with 130 Hybrid Trucks to Boost Sustainability

Camino Solar Project to Join Avangrid’s Expanding Portfolio

Once operational, Camino will expand Avangrid’s California portfolio, adding to the nearby 189 MW Manzana project completed in 2012. Camino will be Avangrid’s tenth solar project, joining six other California facilities with a combined capacity of over 500 MW.

Avangrid’s solar projects in California have generated $95 million in property taxes, benefiting vital public services in local communities.

The Camino project is part of Avangrid’s broader effort to expand its solar footprint across the United States. The company currently operates nearly 10.5 GW of installed capacity, with projects spanning multiple states.