At the 7th EU-Norway Energy Conference in Brussels on Friday 21 November, European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen emphasised the importance of interconnectivity in his opening address.
“This will become especially important as we move towards a renewable future with more weather-dependent power systems. We must ensure that Norway can rely on EU energy during low rainfall periods and that EU can avail of Norway’s flexible hydropower system where and when needed”, he explained.
He also stressed that the Commission would shortly (10 December) be presenting a European package on networks, and that it was up to everyone, “both Norway and the EU”, to “do (their) homework on the legislative front” to strengthen cross-border trade and speed up the granting of permits.
As a major supplier of natural gas (around 50% of the gas imported via pipelines), oil and electricity, Norway is seen by the European Commission as an essential partner for the EU in phasing out Russian fossil fuels and strengthening its energy independence.
The Commissioner also warned of the new challenges posed by this strengthened energy partnership, highlighting the risks of sabotage to energy infrastructures. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)