Energy and marine resources
The growing world population will need more and more food and energy. Sustainable use of marine resources will help to meet this demand.
Norway is a maritime nation and has built up wide-ranging know-how on energy and marine resources. Norwegian experts have developed technology for sustainable development of natural resources. Our areas of expertise include renewable hydropower, fish and seafood, offshore oil and gas production, and fisheries and energy aid to developing countries.
Knowledge about the oceans and the resources they provide will continue to be vital for future generations. We must establish sound regimes for resource use so that the blue economy can grow sustainably. This means working towards high environmental standards that are enforced both nationally and internationally.
In 2017, the Government presented a new ocean strategy. It takes as a starting point Norway’s history as a maritime nation, and focuses on the sustainable use and development of the oceans.
AIMS
- ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
- find solutions for meeting the world’s energy needs and share our knowledge and expertise
- ensure well-functioning international energy markets, global energy supplies and European energy security
- ensure effective implementation of the law of the sea and environmental legislation at both national and international level
- ensure that value creation in the blue economy is based on sustainable use of marine resources
Oil and gas 40 % of exports
The total export value of crude oil and natural gas in 2015 was around NOK 450 billion. This is approximately 40 % of the total value of Norway’s exports.
Oil for Development
Norway has long experience of managing petroleum resources in a way that promotes sustainable economic growth and Norwegian welfare. We are now sharing this experience with 12 other countries through the Oil for Development programme.
Major hydropower producer
Norway is the world’s sixth largest hydropower producer, and the largest in Europe.
ACTION
- highlighting the importance of the oceans as a source of food and energy
- using our energy resources, seas and marine resources sustainably
- promoting the development of sustainable solutions for resource use
- promoting the development of expertise on sustainable and integrated marine management
- playing a leading role in the fight against marine litter and microplastics in the oceans
Undiscovered resources
Huge areas of the oceans are still largely unexplored, and are likely to provide the world with minerals and other as yet undiscovered resources.
Plastic waste
Researchers are concerned about the increasing amounts of plastic waste in the seas, and the consequences this will have for marine life.
36 million seafood meals a day
In 2015, Norway exported an average of 36 million seafood meals every day.
Norway and Indonesia
Norway and Indonesia have already had several bilateral Energy Dialogues, and Norwegian businesses offer solutions that can contribute to the Indonesian ambition of an additional electricity production capacity of 35,000 MgW by 2019. This is particularly relevant for the renewable energy sector. Norwegian technology and equipment can also support further development of the Indonesian oil and gas sector. Today, Norwegian energy businesses such as Statoil, Höegh LNG, SN Power, REC Solar and others are present in Indonesia.
Additionally, Norway and Indonesia cooperate on fisheries and sustainable management of marine resources. Norwegian businesses can offer solutions to the Indonesian aquaculture and fisheries industries and Norwegian experts have contributed with knowledge and experience when it comes to combatting fisheries crime. At the UN Environmental Assembly in Nairobi in 2016, Norway and Indonesia hosted a side-event on our oceans and co-sponsored a resolution on maritime debris named Marine plastic Litter and microplastics.
As of today there are approximately 150 Norwegian companies present in Indonesia in some way. This is an acknowledgment of Norwegian expertise and technology considering Indonesia is one of the largest economies in the world. Sustainability and green technologies are the foundation of Norwegian businesses and there is a growing demand for such technologies in Indonesia.
Useful links
The Norwegian Government’s Ocean Strategy: New Growth, Proud History
Official website for facts about Norwegian oil and gas
Official website of the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that was founded in 2009 to promote the use of renewable energy. IRENA has around 170 members.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) works to promote the development of alternative energy sources, rational energy policies and multinational energy technology cooperation. The IEA has 26 member countries.
Norway has long experience of managing petroleum resources in a way that promotes sustainable economic growth and Norwegian welfare. We are now sharing this experience with 12 other countries through the Oil for Development programme.