Støre was in Germany on Wednesday and met with Prime Minister Olaf Scholz. Støre went on to say that the oil compromise with SV to postpone the 26th round of concessions until this term has no meaning for Norway’s gas exports to Europe.
– I usually see Støre as an honest man, but this seems to be a pure bluff. Naturally, a halt to exploration in new fields on Norway’s continental shelf until 2025 will affect Norway’s long-term ability to export gas to Europe, says Terje Halleland, FRP’s energy policy spokesman. He represents Rogaland in the Storting.
Norway has to do everything
– A large part of the oil industry and Støre’s own comrades in LO were very clear that this decision would have a negative impact on the industry. So it’s no surprise that we have a prime minister who is now trying to tell our allies that it’s business as usual, when SV had a clear push for austerity, says Halleland.
Støre said in Berlin that Norway must do everything to maintain a high level of activity. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Norway has increased its gas exports by 10%.
– We will have a lot of activity on the Norwegian continental shelf, he said with reference to the 2020 oil tax package and exploration in so-called mature areas.
Frp clear speech
The FRP has long been clear that they want more investment in gas exports to Europe.
In late October, the party asked the Storting to impose this on the government:
- Announce the 26th round of concessions to oil and gas companies as soon as possible. This round of concessions has been a contentious topic over time and last year’s budget deal between SV and the government stipulated that it will not be launched in 2022.
- To expand the predefined areas (TFO areas) on the NCS. The TFO scheme means that oil and gas companies have easier access to exploration in certain defined areas.
- Facilitate increased oil exploration near areas with existing infrastructure and promote the initiation of known exploitable discoveries.
