Newsinenglish.no: EU gas strategy may hurt Norway

Almost all of Norway's gas is exported to Europe, but that could be set to change under the EU's new gas policy. The EU is working to improve its own energy security, following the 2009 gas crisis and conflict between Ukraine and gas-rich Russia.

Norway exports almost all of its gas to Europe through pipelines. It’s a major industry, making up more than a quarter of all Norwegian exports. Now the EU is seeking to become more dependent on its own energy resources, so its not left vulnerable to energy supply cuts.

The EU’s supply security plans are due to be considered at a summit at the end of June. Europe has to “stress test” its own supply before next winter, to see what would happen if Russia cuts supply reported newspaper Aftenposten.

Russia’s invasion of the Crimean peninsula has created uncertainty about ongoing supply to the EU. Currently Russia supplies 39 percent of Europe’s gas needs, Norway 34 percent, and Algeria 14 percent. The EU has to import 53 percent of its energy, including oil and gas, at a cost of one billion euros a day.
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