The Norwegian government has announced the resumption of production in three gas fields in the North Sea in 2028, responding to the increased demand from Europe.

The center-left government of Norway decided on Tuesday to reopen three gas fields in the North Sea, Albuskjell, Vest Ekofisk, and Tommeliten Gamma, which have been closed for four decades. This measure comes against the backdrop of increasing demand in Europe for alternatives to supplies from Russia and the Middle East, particularly from Germany and the United Kingdom, two of Norway's largest customers. The decision has sparked protests from environmentalists and some left-wing parties that support the government, but Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland emphasized the importance of oil and gas production for Europe's energy security. The resumption of production is considered essential for maintaining high long-term supplies, given the current geopolitical context, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.