The project was initially considered “economically marginal” due to its distance from existing infrastructure. However, a 105 km-long pipeline (the longest tied back full well stream pipeline in the UK Continental Shelf) and the “transferring gas and condensate at reservoir pressure from an unmanned platform to the onshore processing Shell/Esso facility at St Fergus” designed by Shell has made Goldeneye possible.
According to Shell Exploration & Production Technical Director Europe, Kieron McFadyen, “The £300 million Goldeneye project has commenced production safely, on time and on budget, demonstrating world class project delivery. This is an excellent example of Shell’s ability to grow its integrated gas business.”
“Goldeneye will provide around 3% of the gas for the UK, so will make a significant contribution to securing energy for the UK in the future, as the country becomes a net importer of gas. Plateau gas production is estimated to be some 300 million standard cubic feet of gas and associated liquids a day,” added McFadyen.
The UK Energy Minister, Mike O’Brien, has praised the project.
“Goldeneye will help secure several thousand jobs in Scotland where gas lands at St Fergus and Shell’s Natural Gas Liquids Plant in Mossmorran. This venture highlights the continued development of the UK Continental Shelf [and] it is excellent news for the UK and confirms the opportunities which remain in the basin,” said O’Brien.
Shell is the operator and holds a 49% stake. Amongst the other co-venturers, Esso holds 39% stake, Paladin Resources has 7.5% and the balance, 4.5%, is held by Centrica.
