UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting Norway to finalize plans for a green energy partnership aimed at enhancing energy security. The visit precedes a crucial defence summit in Estonia focused on European security cooperation.
UK and Norway Strengthen Energy Ties
Starmer met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss a carbon capture agreement expected to be signed in spring 2025. The deal aims to protect the UK from energy price fluctuations like those triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“This partnership will help stabilize energy prices and make the UK a leader in carbon capture,” said Starmer. The initiative builds on recent investments by BP and Equinor in UK carbon capture projects. Additionally, the Green Volt offshore wind farm, set to power one million homes by 2028, showcases growing UK-Norway cooperation in renewable energy.
Støre highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that the deal would create green jobs and advance the energy transition in both countries.
Defence Summit Focuses on Regional Security
After Norway, Starmer will attend a Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit in Tallinn, Estonia. The JEF, a UK-led coalition of 10 European nations, including Sweden, Denmark, and Lithuania, aims to enhance regional security in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The JEF, established in 2014, complements NATO’s mission and focuses on rapid deployment capabilities. Starmer’s visit underscores the UK’s commitment to energy resilience and defence cooperation during a time of global uncertainty.
