Wedoany.com Report-Jun 29, Equinor, alongside its Fram partners Vår Energi ASA and INPEX Idemitsu Norge AS, has committed over $2 billion (NOK 21 billion) to develop the Fram Sør subsea project in the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The plan for development and operation was submitted to Norway’s Minister of Energy, Terje Aasland, on June 27, 2025, with production scheduled to begin by the end of 2029.

The Troll C platform, North Sea. Image provided by Equinor

The project integrates several discoveries in the Fram and Troll areas, connecting new infrastructure to the existing Troll C platform, which is powered from shore to ensure low-emission operations. “Fram Sør will contribute to security of energy supply from the Norwegian continental shelf to Europe,” said Geir Tungesvik, Equinor’s executive vice president for Projects, Drilling & Procurement. The development is expected to yield 116 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe), with 75% oil and 25% gas, while generating approximately 4,500 full-time equivalent jobs during its development phase.

Equinor holds a 45% stake in Fram, with Vår Energi ASA at 40% and INPEX Idemitsu Norge AS at 15%. The project builds on discoveries like Echino South in 2019 and Blasto in 2021, alongside two smaller finds, which collectively form the basis for Fram Sør. “Fram Sør shows the importance of area solutions and close collaboration between partners and authorities in order to realize the resource values on a mature NCS,” said Kjetil Hove, Equinor’s executive vice president for Exploration & Production Norway. Equinor plans to bring over 50 similar projects online by 2035.

The Fram Sør development introduces innovative technology, including the NCS’s first all-electric Christmas trees, which eliminate the need for hydraulic fluid from the platform. This system enhances subsea equipment monitoring and reduces environmental risks, offering a reliable and efficient solution for subsea operations.

By leveraging existing infrastructure and advanced technology, Fram Sør strengthens Norway’s role in providing sustainable energy resources. The project’s low-emission approach and economic benefits highlight Equinor’s commitment to efficient resource development and collaboration with partners to meet Europe’s energy demands.