Value creation
Exploration & Production creates value through a number of activities in the upstream part of the energy value chain - from own exploration to natural gas and oil production. Exploration & Production’s natural gas production travels further down the value chain to the business area Energy Markets, where it creates additional value by forming part of the overall natural gas portfolio. The objective is for equity natural gas production to meet 30% of DONG Energy’s needs, thereby strengthening security of supply.

At the end of 2010, DONG Energy had a total of 73 licences in Northern Europe; 13 production licences, 11 under development and 49 exploration and appraisal licences. DONG Energy is the operator on 10 licences in Denmark, seven in Norway, eight in the UK and one in Greenland.

Significant events
2010 was marked by several significant events supporting DONG Energy's growth strategy. The Nini East field on Danish shelf was put into production, followed by the Norwegian Trym field at the beginning of 2011. Both projects have been successful and executed as planned.

Exploration for new reserves resulted in two new discoveries; one in the Solsort licence in Denmark operated by Exploration & Production and one in the Edradour licence in the UK in which Exploration & Production is licence partner. In 2010, it was also decided to develop the Laggan-Tormore licences in the UK, Marulk in Norway and initiating further development of the Syd Arne field in Denmark, and DONG Energy was also awarded a new licence in West Greenland, three in the UK and one in Norway.