Overview
Equinor ASA, formerly known as Statoil, is a Norwegian state-owned multinational energy company. It was established in 1972 as Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A/S (Statoil) by the Norwegian government to manage Norway's petroleum resources. In 2018 the company changed its name from Statoil to Equinor. The name reflects equality, equilibrium and Norwegian heritage, combining 'equi' (equity, equality) and 'nor' (Norway). As of 2023, Equinor operates in 36 countries, has over 21,000 employees, and was ranked as the 52nd-largest public company in the world by Forbes. Its headquarters are in Stavanger, Norway, a city known as the oil capital of Norway. The headquarters address is Equinor ASA, Forusbeen 50, 4035 Stavanger, Norway. Stavanger's location near the North Sea oil fields supports the company's connection to Norway's oil and gas industry. Equinor describes its focus as oil and gas, renewable energy and innovative technologies, with an emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Oil and Gas Operations
Oil and gas remain the core of Equinor's business. The company is a major operator on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and has significant international operations. It engages in exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas, operating both offshore and onshore facilities. On the Norwegian Continental Shelf, Equinor manages key fields including Statfjord, Gullfaks, Oseberg and Johan Sverdrup. International exploration and production activities take place in North America, including the Gulf of Mexico and onshore U.S.; South America, including Brazil and Argentina; Africa, including Algeria, Angola, Libya, Nigeria and Tanzania; and the Asia-Pacific region.
Equinor operates an extensive network of pipelines that transport oil and gas from production sites to processing facilities and markets. The company states that this infrastructure is important for energy security in Europe. Equinor has also explored biofuel opportunities, focusing on sustainable production methods that reduce carbon emissions. Integrating biofuels into its portfolio is intended to diversify energy sources and contribute to a lower-carbon future.
Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Technologies
Equinor has invested in renewable energy sources. In wind energy, its projects include Hywind Scotland, described as the world's first floating wind farm, and Hywind Tampen, described as the world's largest floating offshore wind farm, which supplies energy to offshore oil and gas platforms. Other offshore wind projects include Empire Wind and Beacon Wind on the U.S. East Coast, and Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the UK, which is set to be the world's largest offshore wind farm upon completion.
In solar energy, Equinor is involved in solar projects and photovoltaic energy generation. Its solar ventures include investments in solar parks and collaborations with other companies to develop solar projects worldwide. The company is also exploring hydrogen as a clean energy source and investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. The Northern Lights project in Norway is cited as an example of its CCS work. Equinor participates in the Northern Lights project through a partnership with Shell and TotalEnergies.
Corporate Structure, Subsidiaries and Acquisitions
Equinor operates various subsidiaries focused on different aspects of the energy industry, including exploration, production and renewable energy development. With activities in more than 30 countries, the company collaborates with local and international companies to develop resources. Key regions include Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Equinor engages in joint ventures to advance technology and share expertise. It invests in digitalization, automation and research to improve operational efficiency and develop new energy solutions.
The company has made acquisitions and investments over its history. In 2007, it merged with Norsk Hydro's oil and gas division, creating a larger company with an expanded resource base and expertise. In 2011, it acquired Brigham Exploration Company, strengthening its position in U.S. shale oil plays, particularly in the Bakken formation in North Dakota and Montana. In 2008, it purchased a 50% stake in the Peregrino oil field off the coast of Brazil from Anadarko Petroleum. Equinor has also acquired interests in renewable energy companies and projects. Its official website is www.equinor.com, available in multiple languages and providing news releases, financial reports and details about global activities.
Careers and Employment
Equinor recruits for roles across multiple disciplines. Engineering and technical positions cover exploration, production, drilling and renewable energy projects. Business and commercial roles include finance, marketing, supply chain management and business development. Research and development roles focus on innovation, technology development and digitalization. Support functions include human resources, legal, communications and administrative services.
The company states that it is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture with equal opportunities. Its internship and graduate programs include a Summer Internship Program, which offers students practical experience in the energy industry, and a Graduate Development Program, which provides training, mentorship and international opportunities for recent graduates. The application process involves searching for jobs on Equinor's careers website, submitting an online application, completing assessments or initial screening interviews, attending interviews that may include technical and behavioral questions, and receiving an offer followed by onboarding. The company advises applicants to align with its values, highlight relevant experience, show a global perspective, and prepare by researching its projects and the energy sector.