Foreword
The world is changing rapidly. Energy markets are turbulent, the geopolitical landscape is in flux, and technological development is accelerating. In the midst of this stands the Norwegian continental shelf, which for several decades has provided Norwegian society with energy, income and value creation.
The story began in the mid-1960s, with the first exploration permit and the strong conviction that oil and gas resources were present on the Norwegian continental shelf. In the summer of 1966, the first exploration well was drilled. Three years later came Ekofisk - the discovery which would redefine Norway. Production started in 1971, and the following year the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, now called the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, was established.
Since then, our mission has been to contribute towards achieving the primary goal of Norway's petroleum policy. This includes contributing to the best possible value creation for society through efficient and responsible resource management, whilst taking into account health, safety, the environment, and other users of the ocean.
To succeed in this, the government must be optimally informed about the resource base on the Norwegian continental shelf. A key task for the Norwegian Offshore Directorate is therefore to build knowledge around the resource potential and share analyses providing insight into how this resource potential may develop over time. The Resource Report 2026 is a significant contribution to this work.
Sixty years on from the first exploration licences, there remains a great need for knowledge regarding the resources on the Norwegian continental shelf. We know far more now than the pioneers of the 1960s did, but the future is not a given.
The resources are there. The scale of their recovery depends on the choices we make today. The resources on the Norwegian continental shelf can be developed by applying the same principles which have characterised activities since the very beginning: knowledge, technology, willingness to invest – and the courage to explore new opportunities.
To make good decisions, society needs the best possible knowledge base. This report is a contribution to that. Good resource management starts with a comprehensive knowledge of resource availability.
Kjersti Dahle
Director Offshore New Ventures
Updated: 9/8/2026