Scottish Secretary Champions Energy Sector On Visit To Norway

5th November 2024

Ian Murray will make his first official overseas visit to Norway this week, as the UK strengthens its relationship with key international partner.

On this trip Mr Murray will met energy investors to highlight Scotland's world-leading energy sector and UK Government’s clean energy mission. This follows £125 million allocated in the Budget towards establishing Great British Energy in Aberdeen,

Norway is a key partner for Scotland and the UK, in trade, defence, and energy. The Scottish Secretary’s visit will deepen these ties, to bring benefits to people and businesses in both Scotland and Norway.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer met the Prime Minister of Norway in July, where they discussed the importance of energy security and working together on green energy and renewables.

Following on from this, the Secretary of State will meet a number of Norwegian companies who are investors in wind and low carbon projects. That includes Equinor who are a major supplier of energy to UK households and Operate the Hywind Scotland windfarm off the North East coast of Scotland.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Murray said:

We are committed to maximising Scotland’s influence abroad, and selling ‘Brand Scotland’ across the world. Norway and the UK are key partners in energy, trade and defence, and my visit will help strengthen those ties. Norway is an important provider of clean energy, and of course Scotland’s energy sector is world-leading.

I look forward to meeting a number of energy companies to discuss our journey to clean energy by 2030, the role of GB Energy, and encourage their further investment in Scotland’s green clean future.

Last week the Chancellor’s Budget demonstrated how the UK Government is investing in Scotland’s future and laying the foundations for economic growth across the UK - including through funding for Green Freeports, City and Growth Deals, GB Energy and hydrogen projects.

The visit to Norway will also help cement relations with one of the UK’s most important strategic trade and defence allies. Mr Murray will meet Norwegian ministers, and visit Kongsberg, a world leading defence contractor part owned by the Norwegian Government. Kongsberg supports 3500 jobs in the UK, including in Aberdeen and Dunfermline.

The Secretary of State for Scotland and the Norwegian Ambassador to the UK, Tore Hattrem, recently visited the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier. The carrier has recently taken part in Operation Strike Warrior - the biggest maritime training exercise in Europe, involving Norway and other NATO allies, operating under challenging conditions off the west coast of Scotland.

Mr Murray will also meet the Norwegian government to discuss local economic growth, and support to remote communities.