Sokkeldirektoratet

Who deserves the Improved Recovery Award?

These are the award winners from 2024: Sindre Sørensen (VP Exploration and Reservoir Development, Valhall, Aker BP), Ole Johan Molvig (Director Valhall Area, Aker BP), Jan Cristian Ellefsen, CEO, Pandio. At the top of the picture is Torgeir Stordal, Director general at the Norwegian Offshore Directorate.
 
These are the award winners from 2024: Sindre Sørensen (VP Exploration and Reservoir Development, Valhall, Aker BP), Ole Johan Molvig (Director Valhall Area, Aker BP), Jan Cristian Ellefsen, CEO, Pandio. At the top of the picture is Torgeir Stordal, Director general at the Norwegian Offshore Directorate.  

3/4/2026 There is still time to propose candidates for the award, but the deadline is quickly approaching.

You can nominate production licences, companies, suppliers, individuals or others for their efforts to contribute to improved recovery from fields on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).

This prize was first awarded in 1998, when it was called the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's IOR Award.

In 2024, the prize was awarded to the licensees (Aker BP and Pandion Energy) for the effort with the Valhall and Hod fields in the North Sea. These fields have produced nearly four times more oil and gas than what was estimated in the development plans.

Read more about previous award winners.

Criteria for the Improved Recovery Award

We are asking for input on candidates who

  • are applying new or established technology in a new way
  • have implemented smarter work methods and processes
  • are bold, intrepid and willing to take risk
  • apply outstanding research
  • achieve improved recovery in an energy efficient way

The deadline for nominating candidates was 1 April.

The award will be presented during ONS in August 2026.

Contact
postboks@sodir.no

Tel: +47 51 87 60 00

Updated: 3/4/2026

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