Keir Starmer’s Norway Visit: A Green Energy Deal and Strengthened Defence Cooperation

UK-Norway Green Energy Pact to Boost Growth and Enhance Energy Security
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s two-day visit to Norway focuses on strengthening the UK’s green energy partnership with the Scandinavian country, marking a key step towards enhancing energy security and addressing climate change. The new partnership, which is expected to be finalized in Spring 2025, will focus on carbon capture technologies and renewable energy projects, including offshore wind power.

Starmer highlighted that the collaboration would help shield the UK from volatile global energy markets, such as those triggered by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which caused sharp fluctuations in energy prices. By tapping into the UK’s vast potential for carbon capture in the North Sea, the deal aims to reduce dependency on unpredictable global energy markets and geopolitics. Starmer emphasized that this partnership will help the UK lead in carbon capture technology, re-energizing industrial regions and supporting the country’s broader green transition. The UK’s ambition to become a global leader in carbon capture is a central feature of the deal, which will harness expertise and innovation from both nations.

“This partnership will make the UK more energy secure, ensuring we are never again exposed to international energy price spikes and the whims of dictators like Putin,” Starmer stated. Norway’s support in this agreement underscores the shared benefits for both nations in advancing green technologies and creating green jobs.

Focus on Carbon Capture and Offshore Wind Power
The green energy pact also includes specific plans for collaborative carbon storage in the North Sea. Both the UK and Norway are committed to addressing challenges in the storage and transportation of CO2, especially through the London Protocol’s cross-border transport framework. Norway’s involvement in the UK’s first large-scale carbon capture projects will also see investment from global companies like BP and Equinor. These projects are vital for removing carbon from the atmosphere and meeting climate targets.

Additionally, an offshore wind project called Green Volt, led by Norwegian firm Vargronn and Scottish company Flotation Energy, is set to deliver power to around one million homes by 2028. This floating offshore wind farm will play a key role in the UK’s transition to renewable energy, further deepening UK-Norway collaboration in the energy sector.

Strengthening Defence Cooperation in Estonia
After his time in Norway, Starmer will travel to Tallinn, Estonia, for a summit of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a UK-led military coalition of 10 European countries, including the Netherlands, Latvia, and Sweden. The summit will focus on the JEF’s role in adapting to a rapidly changing security environment in Europe, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The JEF has gained prominence since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with member countries working closely to enhance regional security. The upcoming talks will explore how the coalition can strengthen its role in countering Russian aggression and increasing defence capabilities across the region.

Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre are expected to discuss the JEF’s evolving role and the importance of continued military cooperation, particularly given the heightened security risks in Eastern Europe. The visit comes at a time when European nations are rethinking their collective security strategy in response to Russia’s military actions.