Norway will drill in the Arctic regardless of EU position
Energy minister Terje Aasland says Norway will press ahead with Barents Sea exploration, citing security and supply needs despite EU opposition.
Norway's energy minister, Terje Aasland, said the country will continue developing oil and gas resources in the Barents Sea regardless of the European Union's stance, arguing the projects serve both Norwegian and European interests.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Norway has become the largest supplier of natural gas to Europe, covering about 30 percent of the gas needs of the European Union and the United Kingdom. Gas output in Norway last year was near record levels, while oil production reached its highest level since 2009.
Government forecasts show production could fall sharply after 2030 if no new fields are discovered and developed, a core reason Aasland gave for pressing ahead with Arctic activity.
Security and markets versus environmental concerns
"In today's geopolitical and security environment, given the state of resources, I believe that continuing activities in the Barents Sea is in the interest of both Norway and Europe," Aasland said, framing the decision as tied to energy security.
The European Union currently backs a ban on new Arctic drilling for environmental reasons but has been debating whether to adjust that policy amid concerns about short-term energy supply. Environmental campaigners argue the move undermines EU initiatives to speed up renewables and grid expansion.
Paul Frissvold, a policy adviser at Greenpeace, warned that "Fields discovered today could begin production just as demand for gas in Europe is falling sharply, which carries an obvious risk of stranded investments." Still, Norwegian energy companies have signalled they will continue exploration and drilling in hopes of finding significant new reserves.
Aasland also questioned Norway's previous self-image as Europes "green battery." Norway produces a surplus of renewable power through hydropower reservoirs and exports part of it via cross-border interconnectors, but he said the idea that Norway alone could balance Europe's grid was flawed. "That was a wrong idea," he said, adding Norway will not build new interconnectors while reiterating that close energy cooperation with Europe will continue.
Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV
