The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy is allocating two new offshore areas for applications related to the injection and storage of carbon dioxide, according to a press release.

This move comes even as companies have approached the ministry with a desire to be offered two specific areas they consider interesting for CO2 storage.  One is in the North Sea, and the other is in the Barents Sea.

Minister Tina Bru applauded the investments in CO2 storage, stressing that  Norway has unique experience and expertise from the Sleipner- and Snøhvit-fields.

Hence, the increasing interest of companies shows a potential for a new and important industry on the Norwegian Continental shelf.

The ministry has set a Dec. 9 deadline to submit applications.