Var hits oil in Balder Area probe
The firm’s NCS near-field exploration strategy pays off again
Norwegian producer Var Energi, a joint venture between private equity firm Hitec Vision and Italy’s Eni, has made a discovery totalling an initially estimated 60-135mn bl oe from its King and Prince exploration wells close to the Balder field in the Southern North Sea. Var says the find is its “fifth significant exploration discovery so far this year”. “The discoveries prove that there are still opportunities in the mature areas on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). Clearly, our near-field exploration strategy is paying off and is certainly an approach we will continue to pursue,” says the firm’s CEO Torger Rod. Var, which holds a 90pc stake in the licence, and its 10pc partner Mime Petr
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices






