An important partnership in challenging times

Crown Prince Haakon today opened a major Norwegian business delegation in London. We have brought together 450 representatives from Norwegian and British companies in the energy and climate technology sectors to build networks and identify opportunities for collaboration on the green transition.

'We must recognise that we face very difficult times – exacerbated by Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Millions of people are worried about the future and are struggling to pay for heating and electricity. And, as we know, this is happening at the same time as we must work hard to replace fossil fuels with cleaner energy sources. We need innovation and collaboration, bright minds and bold decision-makers,' said Crown Prince Haakon.

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess are on an official visit to the UK this week. They are accompanied by Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt, who joined the UK's Energy Secretary, Grant Shapps, on stage. Together, they signed a memorandum of understanding on hydrogen cooperation, building on their existing cooperation on carbon capture and storage. (Read more about the hydrogen cooperation in the Norwegian Government's press release)

Norway and the UK are committed to a green industrial transition, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This creates significant opportunities and challenges for businesses in both countries.

'The UK has major offshore wind and emissions reduction projects and is an important hub for technology and finance. Here in London today, we are joined by Norwegian companies supplying technology to offshore wind farms off the UK coast, companies sharing unique expertise in carbon capture and storage, and Norwegian companies offering leading climate technology solutions,' says Håkon Haugli, our CEO.

Haugli adds that it is also important to be aware of the challenges:

- Meeting both Norway's and the UK's commitments to carbon neutrality by 2050 will require hard work. Through collaboration and partnership, Norway and the UK can achieve this together.

This business delegation brings together influential leaders and decision-makers from the private and public sectors in Norway and the UK to discuss cooperation on the research, development and deployment of lower-emission technologies, hydrogen, CCS (carbon capture and storage) and offshore wind. The UK aims to become a 'clean energy superpower' by the end of this decade.

Also on stage at the opening event were Kongsberg Gruppen CEO Geir Håøy, Aker ASA CEO Øyvind Eriksen and BP CEO Bernard Looney.

Following today's professional programme, Norwegian and British companies will continue networking at Lindley Hall, attended by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess and Norway's Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Norwegian artist Metteson will perform.

We are organising the business delegation to the UK on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. We promote business development and exports, with offices in 20 countries worldwide that connect Norwegian companies with international markets. Our UK office works extensively with companies in clean energy and digital technology. The UK needs Norway's energy expertise and is an important technology hub and springboard for Norwegian technology companies looking to grow and expand into more export markets.