Posted on 08/24/2026 2:37:29 PM PDT by DFG
STAVANGER, Norway, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Norway will continue developing its oil and gas resources in the Barents Sea regardless of the European Union's support for a moratorium on Arctic hydrocarbon supplies, and no longer sees itself as Europe's "green battery", Energy Minister Terje Aasland told Reuters.
Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Norway has become Europe's largest supplier of natural gas, meeting around 30% of gas demand of both the European Union and Britain.
Last year, the country's gas production was near record levels, while oil output reached its highest level since 2009. Official forecasts, however, show production falling sharply after 2030 unless new resources are discovered and developed.
"In today's geopolitical and security environment, and given the resource situation, I believe continued activity in the Barents Sea serves both Norwegian and European interests," Aasland said in a Reuters interview ahead of ONS, Norway's biannual energy conference, which begins in Stavanger on Monday.
The European Union currently supports a ban on new drilling in the Arctic on environmental grounds but is considering revising its policy in response to concerns about energy security.
RISK OF STRANDED ASSETS, GREENPEACE SAYS
Aasland's statements show that Norway is disregarding major EU initiatives in renewable energy and grid expansion to cut the bloc's dependence on fossil fuels, environmental campaigners said.
"Fields discovered today risk coming on stream just as European gas demand is falling sharply, raising an obvious risk of stranded assets," Greenpeace policy advisor Paal Frisvold told Reuters.
However, Norwegian energy companies said on Monday they were still pushing ahead with more drilling, hoping to make major new discoveries.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
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What’s Norsk for fu?
That Scandinavian Socialism is GREAT!
Germany's national soccer team should be called "The Sitzpinklers".
Too bad they lost the sardine wars.
They’re not a member of the EU...so why would they follow the EU’s commands?
good for them, the more they drill, they less dependant on Russian oil
or drill baby drill
The EU D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-E-L-Y needs secure energy sources. They’ll STFU and be very happy if the Norwegians find more oil and gas.
Time for the Globalists to install a new government in Norway. The fact that they have access to huge amounts of energy, and Europe is desperate for it (thanks to cutting themselves off of Russian energy), by no means gives them the right to DESTROY THE PLANET!!!!
True Story: Found myself in a discussion with a lefty college professor about socialism a decade or so back. She cited Norway as an example of how great it was. I asked if she knew where Norway got its money. She literally/honestly replied “Whaling?” Again, True Story.
Norway just had a sudden attack of survival instinct.
May the Vikings descend upon her....
[They were just defrauded by travel agents, and ended up in places without functional ATMs, so they had to tap the Monasteries and locals to get the scratch to be able to get back home from the summer vacations....]
Norwegians apparently get money from some sort of National Fund.
Where that money comes from is a socialist mystery. [But it is totally due to Socialism]
Norwegians apparently get money from some sort of National Fund.
Where that money comes from is a socialist mystery. [But it is totally due to Socialism]
Norway doesn’t subsist on alms from previous waves of immigrant expats living in Minnesota?
Drill Bjørn Drill!
“What’s Norsk for fu?”
They don’t have an equal, but do have:”dra til helvete”
Means “go to hell!”
.
Drill baby, drill!!
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