The Norwegian standing committee on energy and the environment form the visited the processing complex at Kårstø north of Stavanger today, 27 January.
Rune Bjørnson, Statoil's executive vice president for the Natural Gas business area, informed the committee members about the group's activities and the importance of Kårstø, which is an essential part of the Norwegian "gas machine".
"The committee's work is of great importance to Statoil," said Mr Bjørnson. He referred to the major issues to be discussed by the committee in the near future concerning environmental and climatic challenges, further development of the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) and Norway's position as a gas nation, as well as the expected management plan for the far north.
The committee members were given a guided tour of the complex, which was opened 20 years ago and has developed into the most important hub for the processing of gas and condensate in Norway. Currently the complex receives rich gas from 34 fields on the NCS, and it still has the capacity to receive more.
Mr Bjørnson also pointed out Statoil's gas ambitions. The group plans to double production up to the year 2015 with new gas from the NCS as well as the international activities.
The committee was also informed about the energy efficiency measures taken at Kårstø, reducing the emission of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides by 40 and 60 per cent respectively per produced unit. Modifications and new technology will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by a further 40 per cent by 2007.
Gassco is the operator for the Kårstø complex, while Statoil serves as technical service provider.