Page 66 - Danish Offshore Industry 2015

estimates that the Danish underground may hold some 644 billion m³ shale gas – a fgure put in perspective by FACTS the fact that since 1985 only 140 billion m³ of normal natural gas have been produced from the Danish felds / SINCE 2010 TOTAL E&P DENMARK B.V. HAS HAD in the North Sea. 2 LICENCES FOR ONSHORE EXPLORATION FOR OIL “In Europe exploration for shale gas is just in its AND GAS HERE IN DENMARK. THE LICENCES ARE infancy compared to North America, and we are far from VALID TILL 2016. being able to compare anything to that, but it sure looks interesting. Naturally, Total E&P Denmark B.V. at the mo- / AS EARLY AS IN 1873 SHALLOW GAS WAS DISCO- ment is focusing on the area where through the years we VERED IN NORTHERN JUTLAND WHEN DRILLING FOR have obtained most information – that is Northern Jut- WATER. land and North Sealand,” explains Peter Helmer Steen, CEO of the Danish North Sea Fund, who is annoyed that / IN THE 1930ES AND 40ES NORTHERN JUTLAND the activities have far from been running smoothly. HAD INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION OF METHANE GAS. “We are experiencing a troublesome and most time consuming way ahead when applying for even the most simple permits. Through the years we have taken part in the drilling of a very large number of exploration wells, so it is most extraordinary to see such an amount of problems and delays heaped upon this simple well. I must say I have no appreciation for this way of administration,” drilling the exploration well, and we shall guarantee states Peter Helmer Steen who feels that the debate has that no damage will occur to the environment, but we grown out of proportion considering the fact that it is are employing well-known and tested technology,” only a question of drilling just an ordinary standard explo- states Peter Helmer Steen hoping that the drilling rig in ration well. Northern Jutland will be fully operational in the frst half “Of course we shall ensure maximum safety when of 2015. ■ Initially, the concessions in Northern Jutland (Vendsyssel-1) and North Sealand are in focus. 66 / SHALE GAS– THE GAME-CHANGER