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Norway to Reopen Three North Sea Gas Fields by 2028
Norway's energy minister announced the reopening of three gas fields closed in 1998 to help maintain production levels through the rest of the decade. The decision follows disruptions to European energy supplies from the war in Ukraine and events in the Middle East. The country aims to sustain output of about 2 million barrels of oil per day while expanding activity on its continental shelf.
May 9, 2:00 AM·2m read1 source
The GuardianAudio version
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Norway will reopen three gas fields in the North Sea that were closed in 1998, with production scheduled to resume by the end of 2028. The energy minister said the move addresses shortfalls in European energy supplies linked to the war in Ukraine and disruption to supplies from the Middle East.
The decision is intended to keep overall gas and oil production near the level recorded in 2025, which has remained stable for nearly 20 years. The country operates 97 offshore oil fields, with three new ones starting production last year. The Norwegian Offshore Directorate projects more than 100 fields within the next two years.
Output is expected to hold at least at the current rate of 2 million barrels of oil per day. The Barents Sea in the high north has been identified as the next frontier for gas and oil development. Initial surveys have also indicated potential for seabed mineral mining between northern Norway and Greenland, though that remains a longer-term prospect.
The energy minister stated that Norwegian offshore production plays an important role in ensuring energy security in Europe. He added that the world and Europe will need oil and gas for decades, making it crucial for Norway to continue developing its continental shelf as a reliable supplier with a high level of exploration activity.
The announcement has drawn criticism from environmental campaigners and some political parties. The environment agency advised against reopening the Albuskjell, Vest Ekofisk and Tommeliten Gamma fields. One opposition party accused the government of greenwashing and said the decision ignored advice from its own experts while putting vulnerable natural areas at risk.
