The world needs more oil, and Norway has a responsibility to develop more fields and keep up production, the energy company told new oil minister Terje Riis Johannesen when the cabinet member made his first trip to an offshore installation, NRK television reported today.
StatoilHydro is disappointed with what it sees as an insufficient opening up for oil and gas exploration in promising areas. Much of Norway’s expected remaining hydrocarbon reserves is located in the north. Despite a number of new exploration areas in this year’s 20th round of the government remains reluctant to let the oilmen get access to resources in vulnerable areas like the Lofoten waters.
StatoilHydro indirectly gets backing for its arguments from EU Commissioner Neelie Kroos, who underlines the important role of Norway in for oil and gas supplies to the European market and the growing demands for more production. Ms. Kroos was in Oslo today where she met with the new Norwegian minister.
