• DONG Energy is the major licence holder in the area
• We use the latest technology
• Our first operated well discovered natural gas

The West of Shetland area comprises a part of the remaining oil and natural gas reserves of the United Kingdom. Through development of the region, the United Kingdom will reduce its energy import and improve the country's reliability of supply of energy.

DONG Energy is the major licence holder
DONG Energy became involved in the West of Shetland area in 2000, and since then, we have established a significant portfolio of exploration licences. We have interests in more than 25 licences, including Tornado, Glenlivet, Cambo, Laggan, Rosebank, Tobermory, Tormore and Torridon, in which oil and/or natural gas has been discovered.

Exploration and development challenges
The challenges in the West of Shetland area differ from other sectors of the British continental shelf. Here, the weather conditions are rough with strong winds and there is often a strong current at water depth exceeding 1,000 metres in some areas. Consequently, performance of work during the winter time is difficult and time-consuming.

Furthermore, there is insufficient infrastructure in the area. It is necessary to install new pipelines and terminals on shore to be able to transport the oil and natural gas to shore, and these initiatives are a prerequisite for energy production from the section where DONG Energy's activities are located.

Using Ormen Lange expertise
The key to developing the discoveries we have made in the West of Shetland area is also contingent upon the use of new technology and upon how well we handle the challenges in the region.

We can ia use the experience gained from our co-ownership of the large Norwegian natural gas field, Ormen lange. This field also comprises water depths between 800 and 1000 metres and the weather and wind conditions are similar to the conditions in the West of Shetland area. Since 2007, natural gas has been produced from subsea installations in the Ormen Lange field. Through this, we have obtained unique knowledge and expertise which can be used in connection with the development of the fields in the West of Shetland area.

Discovery by the first operated well
In the late summer of 2009, we drilled our first operated well in the area. The well was drilled in the Glenlivet licence and resulted in a promising discovery of natural gas.

The results from the Glenlivet well are now being analysed to assess whether it is possible and profitable to develop the field for production.