Equinor and its partners are investing over NOK 4 billion ($390 million) to expand the Troll field, a giant North Sea asset that supplies roughly 10% of Europe's natural gas. The project, dubbed TWIN (Troll West Increased Gas Recovery North), will consist of two new wells designed to boost production from a field that contains 40% of Norway's remaining gas reserves.
The expansion is expected to unlock around 11 billion cubic meters of natural gas, equivalent to approximately 69 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe). This marks a significant addition to European supply as the continent continues to seek alternatives to Russian pipeline gas following the war in Ukraine.
The Troll field has long been a cornerstone of Norway's energy production and European energy security. Equinor's investment in TWIN underscores a broader trend of extending the life of mature North Sea assets through targeted infill drilling and enhanced recovery techniques.
Norway has emerged as Europe's largest gas supplier, filling the gap left by reduced Russian flows. The Troll expansion aligns with European Union efforts to diversify energy sources and secure long-term supply contracts, though critics argue that new fossil fuel investments conflict with climate targets.
Critics contend that continued investment in gas infrastructure risks locking in emissions for decades, potentially undermining Europe's commitment to net-zero goals by 2050. Environmental groups have called for a faster transition to renewables rather than extending reliance on fossil fuels.