Norway restarts North Sea drilling licences as UK faces calls to lift ban
Briefly

Norway has resumed oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, issuing bids for areas including the Barents Sea and Norwegian Sea. This move is intended to maintain Norway's role as a key supplier of oil and gas to Europe. Energy Minister Terje Aasland emphasized that new licenses will create jobs and attract investment. In contrast, the UK has a ban on new oil and gas licenses, with concerns emerging about reliance on imports. Industry voices advocate for increased domestic production to meet future energy needs.
The Norwegian energy ministry announced it will invite bids for exploration across the northern Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea and parts of the North Sea.
Energy Minister Terje Aasland said the new licences would create jobs, drive investment and sustain Norway's technology-intensive oil and gas sector.
Industry body Offshore Energies UK warned Britain risks increasing its reliance on imports unless it backs domestic production.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero defended the ban, arguing that new fields would not cut household bills, improve energy security or help meet climate targets.
Read at Business Matters
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