Norway - Increased gas production and wind power priorities

Norway's Petroleum and Energy Deputy Minister Liv Monica Stubholt, formerly Norway's foreign affairs minister, recently said Norway will increase natural gas production, and in a few years, produce between 125 Bcm and 140 Bcm (4.4 Tcf 4.9 Tcf) of natural gas per year. In 2007, Norway produced around 128 MMscm (4.5 Bcf) of oil and 90 billion barrels of oil.

In addition to oil and gas production, the Norwegian government is looking ahead toward renewable energy sources, in particular wind power generation. The Norwegian Northwest coast is believed to be one of the world's most lucrative areas for wind power generation.

"We are changing from an oil and gas nation," said Minster Stubholt. "We have a very strong ambition to become proficient and focused on wind."

"We would like to improve the incentives, we are working to improve the incentives... there is nothing to be unveiled next week,or next month, but it is very much a priority."

NorskHydro is currently testing wind power generation onshore at its Utsira island facility, west of Haugesund, Norway, and additional Norwegian wind power generation facilities are expected to include offshore installations.