On Dec. 17, 2024, ConocoPhillips Alaska achieved first oil at its Nuna project, marking a milestone of great significance for both the company and the broader Alaskan economy.
The journey to first oil began in 2019, when ConocoPhillips Alaska acquired the Nuna acreage.
In 2023, ConocoPhillips Alaska approved funding for the project and initiated construction activities, with pipeline and on-pad construction continuing into 2024. Drilling on the first Nuna well began in September 2024, culminating in initial production just a few months later.
Nuna will enhance Kuparuk’s production significantly, with projections indicating a peak gross production rate of 20,000 barrels per day. The Nuna project will feature 29 development wells, along with on-pad infrastructure and pipelines that will connect to existing Kuparuk River Unit (KRU) processing facilities.
A pivotal moment for the Nuna project occurred in summer 2024, when the Nuna Single Production Module (SPM) was successfully delivered to drillsite 3T in KRU.
Just a few months earlier, the SPM fabrication was completed at the Port of Alaska in Anchorage and transported by barge to the North Slope. After arriving at Oliktok Dock, the SPM made its final journey to drillsite 3T.
A key component of Nuna, the SPM includes several critical functions, including artificial lift, chemical injection, pigging and production well measurement.
By housing these functions within a single module, the SPM has enabled the Nuna team to streamline operations and reduce its operational footprint.
“The Nuna module was the first production module fabricated in-state in more than two decades and demonstrates ConocoPhillips’ commitment to Alaska," said ConocoPhillips Alaska President Erec Isaacson. “The fabrication took place right here in our backyard and was built by Alaskans. From fabrication to first oil, the Nuna project’s milestones belong to Alaskans. Projects like Nuna create hundreds of in-state jobs, contribute to a stable local economy, and demonstrate the remarkable resource development potential Alaska's legacy fields still have.”
Investing in Alaska
In 2024, ConocoPhillips Alaska invested more than $3 billion in Alaskan projects and plans to continue investing to grow its legacy business in Alaska with initiatives such as the Nuna project.
Nuna is the 49th drillsite developed within the KRU and is the first new drillsite in the Greater Kuparuk Area in nearly a decade.
Kirk Johnson, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, highlighted the importance of Kuparuk, noting the asset has delivered substantial production for over four decades.
"It's fantastic to see new developments like the Nuna project demonstrating that the asset is thriving and continuing to deliver significant value for the company," Johnson said.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our incredible team,” said Project Integration Manager Michelle Bundy. “Delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, the project showcases our commitment to safety and execution excellence. We couldn’t be prouder of the collaborative effort that made this milestone possible.”
2025 SPIRIT AWARD WINNER
ConocoPhillips leadership recently recognized the team behind the Nuna project with a 2025 SPIRIT of Performance Award, the highest recognition the company gives to individuals and teams for their exceptional contributions.
