UK and Norway join forces to Power a Clean Energy Future in the North Sea

THE UK and Norway have struck a clean energy deal that will support the development of renewables and offshore infrastructure in the North Sea.

With the aim of making the basin “the heart of Britain’s clean energy future,” the UK says the Green Industrial Partnership will look to bolster investment in renewables in both countries and increase clean energy manufacturing jobs.

Oil and gas reserves in the North Sea are in decline, with production decreasing 72% between 1999 and 2023.

Since March, the UK has launched a consultation for industry to help boost offshore wind developments in the North Sea, as part of its Plan for Change initiative.

Ed Miliband, the UK energy secretary, said: “Together we can invest in a clean energy future and take advantage of the opportunities ahead in the North Sea, with good clean energy jobs and export opportunities for British business – delivering growth through our Plan for Change.”

Collaborative efforts

The UK says that Norway is a “key energy partner”, with its research showing that closer cooperation with European allies on renewables in the North Sea could create up to 51,000 jobs and add £36bn (US$42bn) to the economy.

The countries have agreed to work together on a range of clean energy strategies, including collaborating on efficient electricity energy arrangements, and cooperating on research and technology developed with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Horizon Project.

They have also agreed to continue supporting carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen projects across their regions. The UK estimates that its seas have the potential to store up to 78bn t of CO2, which it can tap into with the help of Norway.

Cecilie Myrseth, Norway’s minister for trade and industry, said: “This agreement is important for Norwegian industry, especially when it comes to securing value chains for raw materials and clean energy.

“By combining Norwegian and British strengths, we can create jobs, develop new industries, and enhance our competitiveness.”

The Green Industrial Partnership is part of a wider joint venture between the two countries, which involves collaboration in security, industry and defence.