Norway has confirmed plans to revive three dormant North Sea gas fields, marking the first reopening of mothballed offshore fields in the region in nearly 30 years as Europe seeks to strengthen energy security.
The reactivation programme, led by ConocoPhillips, will bring the Albuskjell, Vest Ekofisk and Tommeliten Gamma fields back into production from 2028. The assets, located near the giant Ekofisk Oil Field, are expected to operate for up to two decades.
According to Steinar Våge, the three fields are forecast to deliver around 19 billion cubic metres of gas—enough to supply energy to roughly three million UK homes.
The move comes as Norway expands its role as a major energy supplier to Europe, particularly to the UK and Germany, amid declining domestic production in Britain. UK oil and gas output is currently falling by around 15% annually, increasing reliance on imports from Norway and the US.
Norwegian authorities also confirmed plans to open 70 additional offshore exploration blocks across the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea, reinforcing the country’s long-term commitment to hydrocarbon development.
The contrast with UK energy policy has intensified political debate. Ed Miliband has maintained restrictions on new North Sea drilling licences as part of Britain’s net zero strategy, while critics argue the policy risks increasing dependence on imported fuel.
Offshore Energies UK said the divergence between UK and Norwegian production levels reflects policy choices rather than geological limitations, noting that significant untapped reserves remain in UK waters.
The renewed focus on domestic supply also comes amid heightened concerns over global energy security following disruption linked to tensions in the Middle East and volatility in oil and gas markets.
