India is aggressively working with Norway to improve its deep-sea energy exploration capabilities. Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted this relationship during his recent visit to Norway. He explored potential projects to leverage Norway’s advanced technologies and expertise in hydrocarbons.
Mr Puri visited the Northern Lights CO2 Terminal in Bergen. Discussions with Norwegian energy professionals focused on seismic oil surveys, offshore wind, and new deep-sea research techniques. The minister stated that India intends to explore more than 2.5 lakh square kilometres under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy Round 10. This round is one of the world’s largest offshore exploration bidding opportunities.
PM Modi has directed the government to create a complete deepwater technology ecosystem. Norway’s strengths in carbon capture and subsea storage are in line with India’s clean energy transition goals.
Mr. Puri also visited the CCB Energy Blue Hydrogen Plant in Kollsnes, Norway. It is the first commercial facility in the world to produce blue hydrogen while also carbon capture and subsea stroage. This plant uses ZEG-H₂ reforming technology to create around 1 tonne of hydrogen per day. It absorbs nearly all of the associated carbon dioxide and transports it to the neighbouring Northern Lights facility for secure storage.
