The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has approved the start-up of Tommeliten Alpha, an offshore gas and condensate field in the North Sea.

According to operator ConocoPhillips' estimates, Tommeliten Alpha holds 150 million barrels of oil. The company seeks to invest approximately US$1.18bn in the project's development.

Tommeliten Alpha's plan for development and operation (PDO) was approved by government authorities last year. After the new approval, ConocoPhillips anticipates that the field will be operational later this month.