UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting Norway to announce plans for a green energy partnership, aiming to strengthen energy security and drive economic growth. The trip precedes a defence summit in Estonia focused on European security cooperation.
Green Energy Partnership with Norway
Starmer’s visit to Norway includes talks with his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Støre, and a tour of a carbon capture site. The energy deal, set to be signed in spring 2025, aims to enhance carbon capture technology and stabilize energy prices, particularly in response to crises like the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“This partnership will make the UK a leader in carbon capture, secure energy supply, and protect against price spikes caused by global events,” Starmer said. The initiative also promises to boost industrial regions in the UK and support the green transition.
The announcement follows investments in carbon capture projects in northeast England by BP and Norwegian firm Equinor. Additionally, the Green Volt offshore wind farm, led by Vargronn and Flotation Energy, aims to power one million homes by 2028.
Støre emphasized the importance of collaboration: “This partnership with the UK will create more green jobs and accelerate the green transition.”
Defence Talks in Estonia
Following their Norway meeting, Starmer and Støre will travel to Tallinn, Estonia, for a Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit. The JEF, a UK-led coalition of 10 European countries, focuses on regional security and complements NATO.
Leaders from the Netherlands, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and Lithuania will discuss the JEF’s role in addressing evolving security threats, particularly those stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The JEF, founded in 2014, plays a crucial role in ensuring security and military readiness in northern Europe.
