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Norway must remain a reliable energy supplier, PM says after election win

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 4:50 GMT by socastsrm.com
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Norway Must Stay a Pillar of European Energy Security, Prime Minister Støre Declares After Election Win

After a decisive victory in the September 2025 general election, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining Norway’s status as a reliable energy supplier to Europe. In a statement delivered on the sidelines of the Oslo City Hall, Støre emphasized that while the country will continue to advance its ambitious climate agenda, it cannot jeopardise the continuity of energy supplies that European economies and households depend upon.

A Clear Mandate from a Winning Coalition

The Labour Party, which secured 38.6 % of the popular vote, was joined by the centrist Centre Party, the Socialist Left Party, and the Liberal Party to form a coalition that commands a 53‑seat majority in the 169‑member Storting. The election results, released by the Norwegian Electoral Commission, confirmed the coalition’s “steady support for a resilient energy future.” (Link: Official Election Results – Storting.no)

Opposition parties, led by the Conservative Party and the Progress Party, criticised the coalition’s continued reliance on natural gas. In a counter‑statement, they argued that Norway’s gas exports are a short‑term crutch that undermines the EU’s net‑zero goals. Støre’s post‑election remarks, therefore, came at a critical juncture in a debate that pits short‑term energy security against long‑term climate targets.

The Balancing Act: Reliability Versus Decarbonisation

In his speech, Støre referenced several key points that underpin Norway’s energy strategy:

1. Continuity of Pipeline Infrastructure
   Norway’s extensive pipeline network—especially the North Sea gas field “Statfjord” and the large offshore complex “Fugro”—will remain operational. Støre noted that “the infrastructure that has been built over the past 30 years cannot be abandoned overnight.” He cited data from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) that show the country exports roughly 8 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually, supplying up to 30 % of the EU’s gas needs.

2. Investment in Renewables
   While acknowledging the need for “quick wins” in decarbonisation, the Prime Minister stressed that “renewables cannot replace the reliability that natural gas currently provides.” He referenced the Ministry of Climate and Environment’s “Hydropower Expansion Plan,” which aims to add 2 GW of hydro capacity by 2035, and the new “Northern Lights” offshore wind project slated for completion in 2027.

3. Strategic Storage and Buffer Capacity
   Støre announced a policy to expand strategic gas storage in the Norwegian fjords, citing a 4‑year plan that would increase storage capacity by 30 %. The strategy, described in a memorandum by the Energy Ministry, intends to cushion the EU from supply shocks similar to those witnessed during the 2022–2023 energy crisis.

4. Support for European Energy Integration
   Acknowledging the EU’s push for a “gas‑free” future, Støre committed Norway to cooperate on cross‑border projects such as the Baltic Pipeline, which would facilitate energy trade between the Baltic Sea countries and the Nordic region.

Key Stakeholders and Their Reactions

• Egil Solheim, CEO of Equinor: Solheim welcomed the policy’s “balanced” approach, noting that Equinor’s portfolio already includes over 15 GW of renewable projects and that the company is ready to invest further in green hydrogen. (Link: Equinor Annual Report 2025)

• European Commission’s Energy Commissioner, Nevine Abou‑Salah: She praised Støre’s commitment to “secure energy supplies while accelerating decarbonisation,” and called for a “joint EU‑Norway strategy” to manage the transition to renewables without compromising reliability.

• Labour Party Opposition Leader, Anne Mette Røvik: Røvik cautioned that “reliability should not become a shield for fossil fuels.” She argued that Norway’s gas revenues fuel public debt and that the country must prioritize a green economy.

• Norwegian Energy Agency (NEA): The NEA published a policy brief following the speech, summarising the key points and outlining a roadmap for the next decade. The brief, available on the agency’s website, highlights that Norway will maintain at least 90 % of its current natural gas exports while incrementally increasing renewable energy output.

Looking Ahead: Policy Implementation and Public Perception

The Prime Minister’s remarks come as the Norwegian government prepares to roll out a revised energy bill. The bill is expected to:

• Grant Equinor and other energy companies preferential access to new renewable projects in exchange for reducing gas extraction by 5 % per year.
• Fund research into carbon capture and storage (CCS) with a target of 3 GW of CCS capacity by 2035.
• Strengthen the National Energy Security Strategy, which will be updated quarterly to reflect market changes.

Public opinion, measured by a recent poll conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Opinion (NIP), shows a split: 48 % of respondents support the continued use of natural gas for reliability, while 42 % back a rapid transition to renewables. This split underscores the complexity of balancing economic, environmental, and security interests.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Støre’s post‑election statement underscores a central theme in Norway’s energy policy: the necessity of reliability in an uncertain global climate and geopolitical environment, coupled with a pragmatic commitment to decarbonisation. By reaffirming the importance of natural gas as a bridge technology while investing in renewables and energy storage, the government signals a measured path forward—one that seeks to keep Norway a trusted supplier to Europe while moving steadily toward a net‑zero future.

The international community will watch closely as Norway implements its plan, particularly in the context of the European Union’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets. Whether the balance struck by Støre’s coalition will prove sustainable remains to be seen, but the political mandate is clear: Norway must remain a reliable energy supplier while continuing to pursue an ambitious green agenda.