Accompanied by Norway’s minister of petroleum and energy Ola Borten Moe, Rösler, who is minister for economics and technology in Angela Merkel’s government, was welcomed by Margareth Øvrum, Statoil’s executive vice president for Technology, Projects and Drilling.

On Sleipner A they received a presentation of Statoil’s perspectives on natural gas and its role in Germany and the rest of Europe. Statoil is currently the second largest supplier of gas to Europe.

“Using more natural gas will strengthen Germany’s competitive leverage, increase energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says Runar Tjersland, vice president for strategy and analysis in Statoil’s natural gas cluster.

In January this year Statoil initiated a promotional campaign in Germany focusing on gas. This was intended to encourage awareness of natural gas as an attractive and long-term energy source for Europe and to spread knowledge that Statoil has been a reliable gas supplier for more than 30 years.

“Norway is one of Germany’s most important gas suppliers,” says Rösler. “Since the decision was taken to phase out nuclear power, gas has gained greater importance for Germany’s energy supply.”

Gas-fired power stations, which have up to 70% lower carbon emissions than coal-fired stations, take less time to build, are based on modern but well-known technology and have relatively low investment costs. This makes gas power attractive for base-load electricity generation. And gas-fired power stations can provide good back-up for renewable energy. They are flexible in use and therefore important in balancing a German energy system where the wind and solar segment has grown strongly in the past few years.