The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has today published daily production figures from wells that have ceased production, some with production dating back over 40 years.

Reservoir engineers seeking untapped hydrocarbons or potential carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites, and academics are expected to be regular users of the data which details the production history of each field. The data gives an insight into daily values for gas, oil and water; as well as the pressures and temperatures at well heads and bottom holes, where available.

The added granularity of seeing daily data from each well will enable specialists to identify differences between separate sections of one field and potentially allow them to estimate areas that could still be productive which could lead to any potential redevelopment.

Fields that have ceased production since 2018 are required to provide the data, and so far, the OGA has been able to publish information from over 20 fields and 140 wells. Further data will be added as it becomes available.

Viking B is the longest producer represented producing for over 40 years from 1973 to 2015. It is one of nine ‘V’ fields, a collection of Southern North Sea gas fields, previously operated by ConocoPhillips, which are included in the production data, despite many of them ceasing production before 2018.

To access and download the data go to this page.

Nic Granger, OGA Director of Corporate, said:

“High quality data is absolutely vital in decision-making. The OGA is committed to supporting the industry in maximising economic recovery and in achieving net zero. This latest development of our data offering will help in realising those goals.”

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Notes to Editors

  • Under the powers of the Energy Act 2016, detailed daily production data from individual wellbores must be reported to the OGA, for the whole life of the field, as set out in the OGA's Reporting and Disclosure of Information and Samples Guidance. The data is reportable when permanent cessation of production occurs. This requirement has been applied to all UKCS fields that have ceased production since January 2018. The data reflects the available production history of each field and provides an insight into daily values for gas, oil and water; as well as the pressures and temperatures at well heads and bottom holes, where available. The datasets can be downloaded by wellbore, hydrocarbon field or production hub.