Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has announced a major expansion of Norway gas production to secure regional energy supplies. Norway is reopening three gas fields in the southern North Sea that were closed three decades ago and is offering a significant number of new offshore sites for oil and gas exploration. According to NRK, the Prime Minister kept his comments brief, stating: “We live in turbulent times.”
Norway Gas Production: Reasons and Investment
The decision to increase production is a direct result of the sharp rise in global energy prices. The market situation tightened following the start of the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran on February 28, 2026. This conflict caused major disruptions to gas supplies from the Middle East, forcing Europe to seek reliable and stable alternatives.
The government is investing 19 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately 1.7 billion euros) into infrastructure restoration. Under the approved plan, the first gas production at these sites will begin in late 2028, with the fields expected to remain operational until 2048.
Oil companies must submit their exploration bids by September 1, 2026. Contract awards are scheduled for early 2027.
Export Routes and Expected Volumes
Resources have already been allocated to European partners. Gas will be transported by pipeline directly to Germany, while gas condensate will be sent to the United Kingdom. Experts estimate that the reopened sites will produce between 90 and 120 million barrels of oil equivalent.
New Exploration Sites and Criticism
Alongside the restoration of old infrastructure, Oslo has put 70 new offshore blocks up for tender. These exploration areas are located unusually close to the Norwegian coast. This move confirms Norway’s long-term commitment to fossil fuels, while proximity to existing transport networks will allow new resources to reach the European market quickly.
Lars Haltbrekken, the Socialist Left Party (SV) spokesperson on environmental policy, criticized the government following the Prime Minister’s announcement. “This is madness, and it shows that the government is once again blatantly ignoring the environmental recommendations of its own experts,” Haltbrekken said. “All talk of responsible oil production is nonsense. This is greenwashing from start to finish. Vulnerable and important natural resources are being put at risk with eyes wide open.”