The Norwegian government has decided to resume operations at three previously closed gas fields. The measure is aimed at increasing energy supplies to Europe amid the continent’s ongoing energy security challenges.
According to Norway’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, restarting the fields will allow for a rapid increase in natural gas production volumes. This decision is part of a strategy to strengthen Norway’s role as one of the key energy suppliers to European countries following the reduction of Russian deliveries.
At the same time, Norway is launching a large-scale programme to explore new oil and gas reserves. The search will be conducted across 70 new continental shelf blocks. A notable feature of the new licensing round is permission to explore areas located significantly closer to the coastline than had been permitted in previous years. This approach is intended to open up potentially rich zones that were previously difficult to access or considered environmentally sensitive.
“We must balance long-term climate goals with Europe’s current need for reliable and affordable energy. Norway is ready to take on greater responsibility for the energy stability of our partners,” said a government source familiar with the details of the decision.
The government’s decision has already provoked a mixed reaction. Environmental organisations have expressed concern over the expansion of production in coastal areas and the potential risks to marine ecosystems. At the same time, representatives of the energy industry and European partners have welcomed Oslo’s steps, highlighting their importance for supply diversification.
Norway remains Europe’s largest gas supplier. In recent years, the country has significantly increased production and exports following the outbreak of the full-scale conflict in Ukraine, partially offsetting the lost volumes of Russian fuel.
The new measures could have a substantial impact both on the European energy market and on Norwegian state budget revenues, which are heavily dependent on oil and gas receipts.