Norway expects record gas flow this year
Norway expects to produce 122bn m3 of marketable natural gas this year, its energy ministry said on May 9, marking a 9% growth year on year.
If the forecast is accurate, Norwegian gas supply will rise this year to its highest level since 2018, when the country extracted 122.2bn m3. Government forecasts made at the start of 2022 showed Norway's production for the year at only 115bn m3.
In response to soaring prices in Europe, Norwegian gas producers have fast-tracked projects and cut back on reinjection of gas into reservoirs, to free up more volumes for export. According to the ministry, some non-critical maintenance work has also been postponed.
Most of the gas growth this year will translate into increased pipeline exports, the ministry said. However, growth will also be supported by the relaunch this month of the Hammerfest LNG plant, which has been out of action since September 2020, when a serious fire broke out at the facility. At full capacity it can expect around 5.85bn m3 of gas.