Statement from PM Solberg at the signing of MOU Northern Lights

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends.

On behalf of the Norwegian Government and the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, let me welcome you to this signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Microsoft and Equinor, representing Northern Lights.

In times of social distancing, I am relieved we today can celebrate partnerships – and together explore the opportunities ahead.

We must combat climate change.

We must also ensure healthy food, clean energy, clean transport and secure jobs for our growing population.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as well as the International Energy Agency, have made it clear that carbon capture and storage, or CCS, is essential to reach our common climate goals.

Last month, the Norwegian government launched "Longship", our largest industrial climate project so far.

The aim is to capture CO₂ – transport it to a terminal on the west coast – and store it deep underground in reservoirs on the Norwegian continental shelf.

Longship is a milestone in the Government’s combined industry and climate efforts. The project will lead to emission cuts, facilitate development of new technology and thus new jobs. And most importantly, we hope and think it will pave the way for more CCS in Europe and elsewhere.

It is a therefore a great pleasure to be here with one on the most influential global companies.