The Stoltenberg Government increases the funding for energy research with NOK 15 million in the 2006 budget, channelled through the Research Council of Norway.

- The Government’s vision is that Norway shall be an environmentally friendly energy nation and world leading when it comes to development of environmentally friendly energy, says Mr. Odd Roger Enoksen, Minister of Petroleum and Energy. – As part of this effort, the Government increases the funding for energy research even further, says Minister Enoksen.

NOK 10 million of the increased funds is allocated the RENERGI programme (Clean Energy for the Future). It will be directed towards basic research, competence building and technological development within RENERGI’s subject areas, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency in particular.

The remaining NOK 5 million will support the development of environmentally friendly gas power technologies. Focus will be on research, development and demonstration of different technologies for carbon capture and storage.

- The Government wishes to contribute to start-up of new industry-led research and development projects on carbon capture and storage, says Minister Enoksen.