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Millions to petroleum research

Norwegian oil and gas activity in the High North is increasing (Photo: Sverre Kojedal/Statoil)

66 million kroner will be granted to nine projects on petroleum research in Norway. Several of the projects are directly aimed at extraction in the Arctic.

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The Research Council of Norway’s petroleum programme PETROMAKS 2 has granted NOK 66 million (app €9 million) to nine different projects within four areas: Energy efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies; exploration and increased production; cost effective drilling and intervention; future technologies for production, processing and transport. 

Several of the projects that have been given financial support are directly aimed at problems connected to oil and gas production in the Arctic. Icing on offshore installations is a well-known and potentially dangerous phenomenon in the Arctic. Haugaland Kunnskapspark has received a grant to develop a new type of coating (paint) which can prevent droplet formation and icing by using superhydrophobic nanotechnology. 

Nortek AS wants to develop radar systems for detection, monitoring and characterization of ice, waves and ocean currents for use in the High North. The system could also be used for detecting oil on water.

“The petroleum sector is increasing its presence in the High North. Therefore it is important to develop technologies that maintain safety and minimize the risk of spills under the specific conditions encountered in the north”, says Ingrid Anne Munz, special adviser at The Research Council of Norway in a press release.