GDF SUEZ started production from its cross-border Orca gas field in UK and Dutch sectors of the North Sea

Paris, France, 18-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — GDF SUEZ announces the start-up of production from its Orca gas field which straddles the UK and Dutch sectors of the North Sea and which is only the second such cross-border gas development between these two countries.

Initial gas has been produced from the first of the three wells to be drilled from the D18a-A production platform located in Dutch waters, 500 metres from the UK sector and in approximately 45 metres water depth. The second well is expected to come on-stream later this month. Drilling is underway on the third well from which production is expected in February 2014. At plateau in 2014, the platform will produce approximately 1.5 million m³ of gas per day.

Jean-Marie Dauger, Executive Vice President of GDF SUEZ, in charge of Global Gas & LNG Business Line said: “It has taken less than two years from partner approval to first gas production from Orca. This is a significant achievement which illustrates the strong co-operation between our British and Dutch affiliates and the partners, and with the Dutch and UK authorities. With first gas from Juliet, also in the Southern North Sea, expected before the end of the year, GDF SUEZ E&P is demonstrating the potential of the North Sea as a mature region”.

Produced gas is being transported by pipeline to the existing D15a-A production platform on the Dutch Continental Shelf for further processing. It will then be transported through the Noordgastransport pipeline system to Uithuizen in the Netherlands. After final treatment, the gas will be delivered to Gas Transport Services B.V. which manages the national gas transport network in the Netherlands.

The Orca gas field lies in blocks 44/24a, 44/29b and 44/30a of the UK Southern North Sea (SNS) and extends into blocks D18a and D15b of the Dutch Continental Shelf. GDF SUEZ E&P Nederland B.V. is the operator and duty holder and GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd is operator of the UK licences.

Partners:

GDF SUEZ E&P Nederland B.V. (unit operator) 22.5%
E.ON E&P UK Ltd 23.5%
EBN BV 22.5%
RWE Dea UK 19.7% GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd (UK license operator) 8.6%
Faroe Petroleum (UK) Ltd 3.2%

About GDF SUEZ E&P Nederland B.V.
GDF SUEZ E&P Nederland B.V. is the largest operator in the Dutch North Sea with production coming from more than 30 offshore production platforms and 5 subsea wells. It owns 29 production licenses and 12 exploration licenses.

GDF SUEZ E&P Nederland is also leader in gas transport infrastructure, thanks to the two pipelines it operates: NOGAT B.V. and Noordgastransport B.V. (NGT). Both pipeline systems transport and treat gas from Dutch, British, German and Danish producers. The gas transported through these two pipeline systems represents almost half of the annual Dutch gas consumption.

About GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd
GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd is an increasingly significant player in oil and gas exploration and production in the UK Continental Shelf. Since entering the region in 1997, the company has built up a substantial portfolio of assets in the Central and Southern North Sea, and West of Shetland, comprising more than 50 licenses, 20 as operator. The company entered the UK onshore market in October 2013 when it agreed to acquire a 25% share in 13 licences located in Cheshire and the East Midlands from Dart Energy, which is operator of the licences.

GDF SUEZ E&P UK is the operator of the Cygnus development, one of the most significant undeveloped gas fields in the North Sea and employs more than 300 staff and contractors in offices in London and Aberdeen. Cygnus is located in the Southern North Sea, 150 kilometres off the coast of Lincolnshire. It has gross 2P reserves of approximately 18 billion cubic metres. Production is expected in late 2015.

About GDF SUEZ

GDF SUEZ develops its businesses (power, natural gas, energy services) around a model based on responsible growth to take up today’s major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, fighting against climate change and maximizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: independent power production, liquefied natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency services.GDF SUEZ employs 138,200 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €82 billion in 2012. The Group is listed on the Paris, Brussels and Luxembourg stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe and Euronext Vigeo (World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120 and France 20).

Press contact:
Tel. France : +33 (0)1 44 22 24 35
Tel. Belgique : +32 2 510 76 70
E-Mail : gdfsuezpress@gdfsuez.com
Investor Relations contact:
Tel. : +33 (0)1 44 22 66 29
E-Mail : ir@gdfsuez.com
Twitter @gdfsuez

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