Norway's Zidane natural gas field could start production in the second half of 2020, project manager Lars Fridthjof Moe of operator DEA told an energy conference on May 25.

The development is expected to cost around 10 billion Norwegian crowns (US$1.20 billion), and contract awards will probably be announced in late summer of 2016, he added.

Privately owned DEA holds a 40% stake in the field, while OMV, Maersk Oil and Edison hold 20% each.

(US$1 = 8.3186 Norwegian crowns)