Labour minister faces criticism over suggestion to open Nordland 6 for oil drilling

During the ONS oil fair in Stavanger, the industry association Konkraft suggested opening the western part of the offshore block Nordland 6 for oil and gas drilling. The proposal was welcomed by the Conservative Party and the Progress Party, but met with opposition from the Green Party, Socialist Left and the Liberal Party. Socialist Left deputy leader Lars Haltbrekken publicly challenged Energy Minister Terje Aasland, claiming the suggestion violates the Labour Party’s programme, which rejects any consequence assessment for petroleum activity in Nordland 6, 7 and Troms 2.

Aasland responded that the government follows the Storting’s decisions and that the party’s programme remains unchanged, while also emphasizing the need for high production scenarios to meet energy demand. Critics highlighted the clash between such ambitions and Norway’s climate commitments, noting that the highest production scenarios conflict with Paris Agreement targets. The debate underscores tension between Norway’s oil sector ambitions and its environmental pledges.