Norway to continue Arctic oil and gas drilling despite EU calls for restraint
Norway's energy minister has said the country will keep drilling for oil and gas in the Barents Sea, arguing it serves both Norwegian and European interests, while environmental groups warn the projects could become economically risky.
Norway has stated it will not halt oil and gas drilling in the Arctic's Barents Sea, despite calls from the European Union to limit new fossil fuel projects in the region. Energy Minister Terje Aasland told Reuters that given the current geopolitical and security situation, as well as available resources, continued activity in the Barents Sea serves the interests of both Norway and Europe.
Norway's role in European energy supply
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Norway has become Europe's largest supplier of natural gas, covering around 30% of gas demand in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Last year, Norway's gas extraction was close to record levels, while oil production reached its highest point since 2009.
Aasland said Norway aims to keep oil and gas production and exports roughly at current levels at least until 2035. He noted that if Norway wants to remain a long-term oil and gas supplier to Europe, the Arctic needs to remain part of that conversation.
Criticism from environmental groups
Environmental organizations have criticized the plans. Greenpeace representative Paal Frisvold warned that new Arctic discoveries could reach production at a time when European gas demand has already sharply declined, risking that such projects become economically unviable.
Aasland also distanced himself from the previously used comparison of Norway as Europe's "green battery," which would use its renewable energy to help balance the continent's electricity system. He called the idea mistaken, stressing that Norway alone cannot ensure the balance of Europe's entire power system.
