Which three North Sea gasfields is the Norwegian government reopening, when were they originally closed, and what is the planned timeline and budget for their restart?

The Norwegian government is reopening the Albuskjell, Vest Ekofisk, and Tommeliten Gamma gasfields in the North Sea, which were all closed in 1998. The government plans to spend 19 billion kroner (£1.5 billion) to restart them by the end of 2028, with production scheduled to continue until 2048.

Why has the Norwegian government's decision to expand oil and gas exploration been criticized, and who are the main critics cited in the article?

The decision has been criticized for contradicting the advice of Norway’s environment agency and infuriating left-leaning parties; Socialist Left deputy leader and environment spokesperson Lars Haltbrekken called it 'madness' and accused the government of 'greenwashing', citing risks to vulnerable natural areas, fish and bird populations, and the potential for catastrophic coastal oil spills.

Norwegian Government Criticized Over Decision to Reopen North Sea Gasfields

May 6, 2026

The Norwegian government approved reopening three closed North Sea gasfields and 70 new exploration areas to boost energy security amid Middle East tensions. State oil firm Equinor reported record production and profits driven by surging market prices.

theguardian

2026-05-06

Norwegian Government Criticized Over Decision to Reopen North Sea Gasfields

2026-07-01

Norway offshore workers, employers enter mediation to avert strike

2026-07-02

Norway's unions agree wage deal to avert strike at offshore installations

2026-08-23

Norway asks supreme court to overturn environmental verdict against oilfields

2026-09-16

Equinor plans LNG expansion in early 2030s to meet European and Asian demand

Norwegian Government Criticized Over Decision to Reopen North Sea Gasfields

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