Norway Does not See Production Decrease in Years Ahead

Norway’s officials said on Thursday that national gas production is expected to remain on the same levels in the years ahead, adding that the European Union should see gas as a clean source of energy, coherent with its targets.

‘Last year Norway produced nearly 110 billion cubic metres of gas; almost 100 per cent was exported to Europe. We expect our production to be steady or grow slightly in the years ahead,’ Minister of Petroleum and Energy Tord Lien said during the Norway Energy Conference in Brussels. 

Lien noted that Oslo is a reliable commercial partner, also sharing common values and ideals. Norway was said to be supporting a strong and efficient Emission Trading System. 

The Minister welcomed the efforts of European leaders to forge its energy and climate policy towards 2030, which should be agreed upon next month. 

The Minister said that the country has infrastructures to assist the EU in meeting its long term objectives, also noting that European targets could lead to lower imports from the Old Continent. 

“The analysis shows that a target of 30 % could lead to substantial reductions in gas import to the EU.” 

Speaking about Norwegian prospects, Lien said that ‘so far, less than one third of our expected gas resources have been produced.’

Last week, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate released data suggesting the Norway’s gas production remained below expectations for the consecutive month.