10 million NOK to opening process in the Jan Mayen area
The Norwegian Government proposes 10 million NOK (app 1.2 million EUR) for environmental studies in connection with the ongoing process to open the sea areas surrounding the island of Jan Mayen for petroleum activities.
The Norwegian Government has decided to initiate an opening process for petroleum activities in the sea areas within Norwegian jurisdiction surrounding the remote Arctic island of Jan Mayen. The opening process consists of two main elements – mapping of the petroleum resource base and environmental values in the area, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy writes on its web site.
An environmental study may include oceanic studies, seabed surveys, mapping of seabirds and fauna in the area. The soon to be presented impact assessment program will finalize the scope of further surveys.
- The decision of the Storting in regard to initiation of an opening process in the Jan Mayen area needs to be viewed in relation to the required long-term perspective to develop the remaining petroleum resources on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Gathering new information is an important part in forming a sound decision basis, says the Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Riis-Johansen.
In September 2009 a delegation of Norwegian politicians, business groups and environmentalists visited the glacier-clad island north of Iceland to look at the potential for exploration.
Read also: Norway looks at oil exploration outside Jan Mayen
