*Sjekkes mot fremføring"

Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.

Thanks so much to Norwep for gathering us here at the International Energy Forum at Ullevål Stadium.

As you know, this is the time and the occasion to talk about football. Norway has qualified for the World Cup - and as you can see, I am old enough to remember the last time we took part.

However, I want to talk about a world championship which is played every single day. By Norwegian energy companies that compete globally, in many markets – and often they win.

And when they succeed, the Norwegian society as a whole also wins. Their revenues benefit the entire Norwegian community.

So tonight, I want to address how the Norwegian government is working to support these companies, so they can compete and continue to win.

In this shifting playing field, we must shape energy policies that are predictable, balanced and forward-looking. We must help the industry to contribute to the global energy transition – while also supporting energy security in Europe and beyond.

But let me be crystal clear: this a win-win competition, and we will never achieve our ambitions if we don’t cooperate with our international partners, whether it is in business or policies.

 

First, let’s take a look at the playing field.

The world is changing fast.
We all feel the effects of geopolitical instability.
And we see clearly the consequences of climate change.

The global energy system must change. But we must change it in a way that supports social development, economic stability, and environmental progress at the same time. We must keep several ideas in our head at once.

Today, more than 80 percent of the world’s energy still comes from fossil sources. And global energy demand continues to grow. For developing regions, access to affordable and reliable energy is fundamental for food security, for jobs, for healthcare, and for human rights.

This is not simple. It requires balance.

Norway is a global supporter of ambitious climate action. But we are also the largest producer and the only net exporter of oil and gas in Europe. And Europe needs secure and predictable energy supplies – especially now, in the serious world in which we live.

Over the last years, we have seen what happens when energy becomes a tool for political pressure. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a painful reminder that energy security is also national security.

I am glad to see Ukraine’s ambassador to Norway Oleksiy Gavrysh here tonight. Thank you so much for sharing your lessons from Ukraine.

In May this year I was in Ukraine with the Crown Prince. There I was convinced more than ever that our support for Ukraine must continue. It is important that Ukraine has enough resources to maintain their energy security, for the people and for their defense.

Because energy security is national security.

Norway will – and must – continue to be a stable and reliable supporter of oil and gas to Europe.

Not forever, and not without change. But for as long as Europe needs it – and while we support and accelerate the transition.

As a renewable nation with nearly 100 percent renewable production.

And, as a petroleum nation, producing oil and gas with some of the lowest CO₂ emissions in the world per unit.

Since 2015, emissions from production on the Norwegian continental shelf have been reduced by around 25 percent. And they will continue to go down.

We are investing in:

Electrification of offshore production

Energy efficiency

Modern infrastructure

New technology

But as important, the activity on the shelf, in yards, factory halls and laboratories provide foundation for new energy solutions we are depending on.

New opportunities for hydrogen, for batteries and critical minerals.

On offshore wind we are moving forward in a steady and responsible way.

Sørlige Nordsjø II is awarded, and when it starts production in the early 2030s, the project can supply power to over 400,000 households.

At Utsira Nord, we have received two applications for floating offshore wind. We are now evaluating these, with the goal of awarding the areas as soon as possible.

Offshore wind is important for Norway. It can give us more renewable power, enable emission reductions, build new technology, and create new jobs in the supply industry.

We have seen the last years that revenues and jobs keep increasing in the Norwegian offshore wind industry due to national and especially international activity.

For example, there has been a strong construction activity for specialized vessels for offshore wind and cable installation.

In 2026, we will present a plan for the next steps for offshore wind in Norway. We want progress, and we will move step by step, with sound economic policy and close cooperation with industry.

And not least on CCS, where we can now celebrate a major milestone: The start of operations for Europe’s first complete CCS value chain, Longship.

 Through Northern Lights, CO₂ storage is now being offered as a commercial service to European emitters. The company is expanding its capacity to at least five million tonnes of CO₂ per year.

The first volumes from Heidelberg Materials’ cement plant in Brevik have already been safely stored beneath the seabed, and Hafslund Celsio’s capture plant is under construction.

 The Norwegian continental shelf holds large potential for CO₂ storage, and our industry has decade-long experience. We know how to store CO₂ safely and permanently under the seabed.

What we need now is for more industrial players across Europe to enter into long-term storage agreements. This will enable us to accelerate the development of CCS in Europe and build on the strong foundation already established here in Norway.

To sum up: We are working step by step, in a stable and responsible way, to make sure that the energy system of the future is secure, affordable, and sustainable.

 

My role as Norway’s Minister of Energy is sometimes a coach, sometimes a referee, and always as a supporter. It depends.

But no government meets challenges alone.
It is companies and industries that build solutions.
And here, Norway has strong players.

So, let’s turn our attention to the players on the pitch.

Norway’s energy industry is a global competitor. In 2024, Norwegian energy suppliers had total revenues of over 600 billion NOK, across petroleum, renewables, hydrogen and CCS.

Norwegian companies are strongest when they compete globally.
And the world is strongest when we cooperate, learn from each other, and share solutions.

It was therefore a great pleasure to highlight two of these companies with the Supplier of the Year and Export Excellence Awards. Again, congratulations.

But let me take this moment to highlight all the other companies who see opportunities - when markets seek green and sustainable solutions.

Let me be clear. If we are to reach our goals, we need the expertise, experience, and commitment of our energy industries, whether it’s renewables, petroleum or a bit of both.

In that respect, I want to take this opportunity to thank Norwegian Energy Partners not only for hosting us here today, but also for contributing to the internationalization of Norwegian energy industries as part of Team Norway.

Every team on the field need a good support team on the bench and in the stands, you fill that role perfectly. 

 

So dear friends,

I stand before you to assure you Norway will continue to be a reliable partner.

We will continue to invest in a cleaner and more sustainable system.
We will continue to support companies that lead and innovate.

And just like in football:

You need strategy.

You need hard work.

You need teamwork.

And sometimes, just like Erling Haaland; you need to take a chance, move forward, and dare to create something new.

Norway is ready to do that.

Our companies are ready.
And we look forward to working with all of you to build a secure and sustainable energy future.

Thank you.
And I wish you a very good evening.