The United Kingdom and Norway are set to announce a significant industrial partnership focused on green energy, including a future arrangement for subsea carbon transport pipelines. 

The agreement, set to be formalized in 2025, aims to strengthen energy security for both nations and support jobs in the burgeoning carbon capture industry.

A key component of the partnership involves exploring the feasibility of transporting captured carbon dioxide under the North Sea through pipelines.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Norway on Monday will solidify the partnership, which aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including the storage and transport of carbon under the North Sea. 

The technology extends the lifespan of natural gas and aligns with Norway’s position as a major exporter of the fuel.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is currently visiting Norway, emphasized the importance of the partnership in reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets. 

“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,” he stated.

The two nations are also committed to collaborating to clear regulatory hurdles and technical challenges associated with subsea carbon storage and transport pipeline facilities. 

The partnership comes as both countries seek to bolster their energy and defense ties in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has seen Norway emerge as a critical supplier of natural gas to Europe, replacing Russia as the continent's largest supplier.

Recently, the UK approved a £22 billion investment in carbon capture projects, underscoring its commitment to clean energy and its ambitious goal of capturing 20 million tons of CO2 annually by the end of the decade.

Meanwhile, Equinor, Norway’s energy giant, is actively investing in the UK’s offshore wind, oil and gas sectors, as well as carbon capture initiatives, often in collaboration with partners like BP.