As the Northern Lights CO2 receiving facility was recently completed, Keir Starmer and Jonas Gahr Støre decided to visit the site together. The purpose of this visit was for them to witness first-hand the process that will be undertaken by the facility when it works to accelerate the green transition, whilst simultaneously reducing emissions.

Throughout the visit, both parties signed a joint declaration of strategic partnership, which would be applicable between Norway and the UK. This declaration of strategic partnership will cover defense and security, energy and finally, the green transition. Further to this, the agreement also includes the establishment of a Green Industrial Partnership, which will commence in 2025.

It was noted that this was Keir Starmer’s first visit to Norway as UK Prime Minister, plus this visit occurred days after the contracts for the first CCS projects were signed on December the 10th 2024. The projects that these contracts applied to are the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) and Net Zero Teesside Power. It has been made clear that the owners of Northern Lights JV, Equinor and Total Energies are both shareholders of NEP, along with partner bp.

A tour around the facility for the Prime Ministers was provided by Managing Director of Northern Lights, Tim Heijn. This tour was also joined by the CEO of Norwegian energy company Equinor, Andres Opedal and it is here where the Norwegian state is majority owner.

Prime Minister Støre, commented, “We need knowledge and innovation to better equip us to face the future. The new Green Industrial Partnership with the UK will be important in creating more green jobs here in Norway and for advancing the green transition.”

Heijn, added, “The visit shows the importance of public and private partnership and cross-country collaboration to scale CCS and make it a successful industry.”