US major Chevron has started gas and condensate production at the high-pressure, high-temperature gas and condensate Alder field in the UK Central North Sea. The project has a design capacity of 14,000 barrels of condensate and 110mn ft³/day.

Chevron's European upstream boss Greta Lydecker said November 7 that the "safe and successful completion of this project was underpinned by strong collaboration between Chevron and Alder co-venturer ConocoPhillips. Alder supports our goal of helping maximize the economic recovery of the UK, adds significant production to our portfolio, and helps extend the field life of Britannia, an important asset to Chevron in the North Sea."

Conoco and Chevron are co-venturers on the Britannia field, whose gas is landed for processing at St Fergus. Condensates will go to Grangemouth. Chevron has a 73.7% stake in Alder and Conoco has the rest. Chevron has a 32.4% stake in Britannia.

Discovered in 1975, the field's development was considered impossible owing to the heat and pressure of the gas, lying 4,480 metres beneath the seabed. But nearly 40 years later, the technology, infrastructure for processing and export, and commercial conditions made the project viable, Chevron said. It took final investment decision in January 2014, half a year before the commercial conditions changed radically.

Alder facilities being added to Britannia platform

(Credit: Chevron)

CEO of upstream regulator Oil and Gas Authority, Andy Samuel, said: “We are very pleased to see the safe flow of first gas from the Alder Field. Chevron’s application of innovative subsea technologies and use of the UK’s experienced supply chain is closely aligned to the Maximising Economic Recovery Strategy, adding reserves and extending the life of an existing asset.”

Chevron'’s net daily production in 2015 from UK fields averaged 40,000 barrels of liquids and 115mn ft³ of natural gas.

William Powell