The Norwegian Government increases the efforts to develop carbon capture technologies by NOK 30 million in the proposed state budget for 2004. The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy's commitment to research and development of carbon capture technologies will increase to NOK 50 million next year.

- The Norwegian Government's strategy for realising gas-fired power plants with carbon sequestration is an important element in the effort to strengthen the energy supply, and at the same time reach our international climate obligations. The increase demonstrates the Government's purpose to prioritise this effort, says Einar Steensnæs, Minister of Petroleum and Energy.

In a White Paper on domestic use of natural gas last year, the Government presented a strategy to advance the realisation of gas-fired power plants with carbon sequestration. The White Paper was discussed by Parliament in the spring, and the strategy gained general approval. In addition to the considerable commitment to research, development and demonstration of carbon capture technologies, the strategy is based on various elements:

• Government grants for technology and product development
• Investment support for gas-fired power plants with carbon sequestration
• Establishment of a state-owned innovation company
• Studies of state participation in developing and operating an infrastructure for carbon dioxide, facilitating the use of carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery or storage.