Statoil opens new research centre – a milestone for improved oil recovery

Minister of petroleum and energy Tord Lien opened today Statoil’s new research centre for improved oil recovery (IOR) at Rotvoll in Trondheim, mid-Norway. A key element in reaching our 60% recovery rate ambition on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) is now in place.

CEO Helge Lund, the minister of petroleum and energy and Statoil's head of research Lars Høier Statoil’s head of research Lars Høier underlined the importance of research and technology development in his speech of welcome. “The opening of the IOR centre is a milestone for us, but our main resource is still our clever and knowledgeable colleagues who create wonderful results in applying their skills.”

The minister of petroleum and energy Tord Lien and the mayor of Trondheim Rita Ottervik officially opened the IOR centre. The minister had the following message:

“The NCS is a workplace for the future, the resources are utilised in a sustainable manner and the recovery rate is record high, which benefit the employees and the financing of the Norwegian welfare state. We had not come this far without targeted efforts by the authorities and the oil companies. Research and technology development have been key elements in for example achieving the record high recovery rate we already see on the NCS. If the recovery rate increases by one percent, it will increase our income from the NCS by NOK 300 billion.”

“Research and new technology will be key factors in times ahead to keep costs low and energy production and value creation high. For several decades Statoil has been highly instrumental in technology development on the NCS and is among the companies with the highest recovery rate. Today’s opening of Statoil’s IOR centre is significant for the future of the NCS, and illustrates that Statoil wants to contribute to optimal use of NCS resources also in the future.”

In connection with the opening of the IOR centre the guests and employees were given a guided tour of the new laboratories. Helge Lund and Tord Lien listen carefully.

Source: Statoil, 2014.