Exploration in Barents Sea vs. in Lofoten
The Norwegian government is likely to give first priority to hydrocarbon exploration in the Barents Sea and not in the Lofoten waters, spokesman on energy issues for the Norwegian Progress Party says.
Mr. Ketil Solvik-Olsen believes the Norwegian government will progress exploration in the Barents Sea, while operations in the promising Lofoten area will be put on hold, Petro.no reports.
Solvik-Olsen is spokesman on energy issues for the Progress Party, the biggest opposition party in the Norwegian Parliament.
The energy spokesman believes it will be easier for junior partner in the government coalition, the Socialist Left Party (SV), to open up new exploration areas in the Barents Sea compared with the vulnerable Lofoten waters. The party is strongly against drilling in Lofoten and many believe it will leave the government coalition should drilling in the area be approved. The party has however shown less opposition to exploration in the Barents Sea.
Exploration in the Barents Sea is also likely to win more political support, after Norway and Russia in April this year agreed on the delineation of disputed waters in the area.
