Cooperation across national borders is crucial, not only to maintain a high professional level within the Norwegian research entities, but also for strategic reasons in terms of establishing contacts and alliances with other countries. Participation in international projects is crucial for knowledge-building. Such collaboration can also provide both professional and financial support within key research areas. At the same time, international cooperation provides a possibility to showcase for Norwegian technology and knowledge suppliers.

Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the EU's framework program for research and innovation for the period 2021-2027. The goal is to contribute to jobs and economic growth, deal with societal challenges and to a strengthened the position for Europe within research, innovation, and technology. With a budget of 95.5 billion euros, Horizon Europe is the world's largest research and innovation program.

The International Energy Agency (IEA)

The IEA is an organization of almost 30 member countries, all of which are also OECD members. The IEA was established in 1974. Back then the main purpose was to counteract oil supply crises. Over time, all energy carriers and their use have gained a central place within the IEA's scope. Energy efficiency measures, statistics, environmental policy, etc. are also central to the IEA's agenda.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has established several research programs related to various energy topics. The programs are called Technology Collaboration Programs (TCP) and are organized under various Working Parties that advise on strategic issues to the more senior research and technology committee - CERT.

Norway is a member of many such cooperation programs, which are divided into the areas of end-use technologies, renewable energy technologies, CO2 management as well as information exchange. Participants from Norway can be from industry, the research communities or from the authorities, all depending on the activities in the programs. The Research Council of Norway is the coordinator for the Norwegian engagement.

Nordic Energy Research

Nordic Energy Research (NEF) is an institution under the Nordic Council of Ministers. The purpose of the institution is to promote and continue Nordic co-operation in the field of energy research. They will contribute to a common strategy for research and development in the parts of the energy area that are of common Nordic interest. The institution is also responsible for strategy work and are advising on projects in the Nordic Council of Ministers. Nordic Energy Research is co-financed by the Nordic countries and is today the only joint Nordic funding institution within energy research. Read more on Nordic Energy Research's website.

MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between Norway and the US

This is a bilateral research collaboration agreement within energy-related research and technology signed in May 2004 by the Norwegian Ministry of Energy and the US Department of Energy. Current topic areas are oil and gas extraction, CO2 management, hydrogen research, and new forms of renewable energy. The collaboration agreement represents a formal framework between Norway and the United States for long-term collaboration on research, development, and demonstration within these and other areas. In 2020, an appendix was signed to the existing agreement that specifically promotes bilateral cooperation within hydropower research. Bilateral meetings are held at regular intervals with participation from industry and research entities. 

The MoU can be accessed here

BN21 - Brazil-Norway in the 21st century

In 2013, the Ministry of Energy signed an annex to the MoU between the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research and the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) on cooperation within research areas of mutual interest. In the beginning, the bilateral cooperation was focused on oil and gas research. Norway and Brazil have many similar technological challenges within oil and gas sector. The Research Council of Norway and their Brazilian counterpart, FINEP, have carried out joint calls for projects within oil and gas research and more recently within renewable energy. In addition, an annual technical conference has been held on a yearly basis in Rio de Janeiro. 
 
The MoU can be accessed here

Mission Innovation

Mission Innovation was initially a global collaboration between 20 countries, including Norway. Later, the co-operation has been expanded to 24 participating countries, as well as the European Commission. The focus has mainly been on the ambition to double public investment in research and innovation of climate-friendly energy technologies over the first five-year period, as well as information exchange and cooperation between member countries. In addition, it has been a goal to link the collaboration to a coalition of leading, resourceful, and innovative private energy technology players (Breakthrough Energy Coalition) who are working to bring innovative technologies into the market.

In 2021, it was decided to continue Mission Innovation beyond the original five-year period. MI 2.0 has higher ambitions for enhanced cooperation between member countries and private actors to accelerate innovation in areas of common interest. The intention is to concentrate research and technology collaboration on specific, targeted initiatives (Missions) as well as increased collaboration on research projects and analysis. Norway participates in the missions «Zero Emission Shipping», «Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)» and «Hydrogen».