Minister of Petroleum and Energy in Berlin

In Berlin, Søviknes will also hold talks with Rainer Baake, German state secretary for energy matters. Among the issues on the agenda are the gas market and the power export from Norway to Germany. 

Norwegian production of natural gas covers almost 25 percent of gas consumption in the EU. Germany is among the top markets for Norwegian gas. The gas providers in Norway and gas consumers in Germany have jointly established the necessary infrastructure, and benefit mutually from the gas trade. This is the foundation for a long-term gas cooperation. The resources on the Norwegian Continental Shelf ensure that Norway can remain a large exporter of gas to Europe for decades ahead.

- Natural gas is an affordable, clean, reliable and safe source of energy and is sold in an increasingly efficient market. As a low carbon source, gas provides the opportunity for Europe to remain competitive internationally and at the same time significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The development in the US and the UK shows how emissions can be reduced by switching from coal to gas, says Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Søviknes.

From left: Mario Mehren (CEO Wintershall), Elisabeth Walaas (Norwegian Ambassador to Germany), Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Søviknes, and Timm Kehler (CEO Zukunft Erdgas).

After 50 years of petroleum activity on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, oil and gas has developed into Norway's largest and most important industry. Oil companies and other technology companies in the service and supply industry play key roles in the industry. German companies have played an important part in the industry, to the benefit of both countries.

- German companies have made significant contributions to the Norwegian oil and gas sector. I look forward to a continued presence of German companies on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. German technology companies contribute to a higher value creation from our continental shelf, says Minister Søviknes.

Terje Søviknes and Rainer Baake in Berlin. (All photos: KRD/MPE).