A New Era for Danish Energy
TotalEnergies EP Danmark, a subsidiary of the French energy titan TotalEnergies, is on the brink of completing one of the most ambitious natural gas redevelopment projects in the North Sea. The Tyra II facility, located in the Danish sector, is set to become a cornerstone of Europe’s energy security, with its full production capacity expected to be unlocked by early 2025.
The Danish Underground Consortium (DUC), comprising TotalEnergies EP Danmark (43.2%), BlueNord (36.8%), and Nordsøfonden (20%), has been working tirelessly to overcome technical and operational challenges. Despite delays caused by transformer issues and unpredictable weather, the project has achieved significant milestones, including hitting full technical capacity and exporting gas at rates exceeding 200 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfpd).
Overcoming Obstacles to Reach Full Potential
The road to Tyra II’s success hasn’t been without its bumps. After the first gas export in March 2024, the project faced setbacks due to transformer failures that powered critical gas compressors. However, repairs and commissioning efforts have steadily progressed, with the full technical capacity milestone reached in late 2024.
Inclement weather and minor operational hiccups pushed the final ramp-up phase to February 2025. Despite these delays, BlueNord, a key partner in the project, reported that the gas export rate has already surpassed the 191 mmscfpd threshold required by the Tyra completion test. This achievement paves the way for BlueNord to begin shareholder distributions by mid-March 2025.
A Game-Changer for Denmark and Europe
Once fully operational, the Tyra II facility is expected to produce up to 2.8 billion cubic meters of gas annually, accounting for approximately 6% of the European Union’s natural gas production. This will not only make Denmark a net gas exporter once again but also bolster Europe’s energy independence.
The redevelopment of the Tyra field involved decommissioning old platforms, extending existing structures, and installing new topsides, a process module, and a residential platform. These upgrades will reduce CO2 emissions by 30% compared to the pre-shutdown era, aligning with global sustainability goals while ensuring energy security.
TotalEnergies has also been expanding its footprint in the Mediterranean, recently partnering with Italy’s Eni to develop an offshore gas project between Cyprus and Egypt. This move underscores the company’s commitment to diversifying energy sources and strengthening Europe’s energy infrastructure.
The Future of Energy in Denmark
Despite Denmark’s reputation as a clean energy pioneer, nearly 50% of its energy consumption still relies on oil and gas. The Tyra II project bridges the gap between traditional energy sources and the transition to renewables, ensuring a stable energy supply while reducing environmental impact.
As the Tyra hub gears up for full production, it stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and collaboration in the energy sector. With its cutting-edge technology and strategic importance, Tyra II is not just a project—it’s a blueprint for the future of energy in Europe.
