A program of systematic reduction in the number of fallow fields in the UK has prompted Department of Trade & Industry's Energy Minister Brian Wilson to approve seven new development projects under the DTI's fallow fields program.
Wilson named the seven fields during a meeting of the industry-government forum on the offshore sector, PILOT. He said, ""It is vital for the future of the UK that we make the most of our natural resources and I am delighted that BP has brought development of Clair closer than ever before. The potential West of Shetland has been known for some time and further development of the province is eagerly awaited.
"Clair, once it proceeds to the implementation stage, will make a significant contribution to achieving PILOT's investment targets. It will also boost the UK's offshore supply chain."
BP's development program for the West of Shetland Clair Field was recently approved and is entering development at this time.
Since the last review of fallow fields in June, the DTI has approved four developments and another six field development plans have been received requesting approval. Wilson noted that the department is also aware of seven more discoveries of fields considered fallow that may be submitted for development approval sometime in 2002.
The PILOT-sponsored program to promote licensing of oil companies capable of investing in the development of such fields has produced several new projects. Other efforts have sought to stimulate production from mature fields that are thought to contain approximately 3 billion bbl of oil through their redevelopment.
Wilson said DTI officials are working with UK fabrication yards and other suppliers interested in field development work. The PILOT organization is composed of 23 industry and government representative whose stated purpose is to work for the long-term future of the UK oil and gas industry.
Oil&Gas International
