UK and Norway sign historic energy agreement

Energy ministers from Norway and the UK signed a joint agreement to co-operate further on renewables, oil and gas and the use of technology such as carbon capture and storage, to ensure energy security and manage emissions, the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change announced in a statement.

UK Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and Norwegian Minister for Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe affirmed their “commitment to support industry in the future development of our oil and gas resources in the North Sea using the best technology available to manage emissions, protect the environment and maximise recovery of resources”. They also agreed to continue to support efforts to develop interconnection between the UK and Norway.

UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry said: “Our energy security is enhanced by close links with Scandinavia and Europe. As North Sea neighbours, the UK has long enjoyed close and beneficial ties with Norway based on the development of oil and gas. And as renewables and CCS develop further, it is increasingly vital that we work closely in these areas too. Today’s agreement confirms the importance of Norwegian natural gas to UK energy needs as an essential part of our longer term energy security, and it boosts cooperation on CCS and the development of renewable energy and interconnections.