This new programme at the Research Council of Norway will have the overall responsibility for research to promote optimal management of Norway’s petroleum resources as well as future-oriented industrial development in the petroleum sector. The programme will replace the Large-scale Programme for Optimal Management of Petroleum Resources (PETROMAKS).

The programme will encompass strategic basic research, knowledge and competence-building, applied research, and technology development, and will be incorporated under the Research Council’s Large-scale Programme initiative.

Basis for the new programme

National petroleum-related challenges as described in Report No. 28 (2010-2011) to the Storting, An industry for the future – Norway’s petroleum activities, and the national technology strategy for the petroleum industry in the 21st century, the OG21 strategy, comprise an important part of the framework for the design of the new programme.

When planning the programme, knowledge was compiled from various sources, including an external evaluation of the experiences and results of the PETROMAKS programme. The Research Council has also gathered input and knowledge by organising dialogue meetings with representatives from the research community, the ministries, trade and industry, and the public sector.

Funding announcement

The preliminary work programme will provide the basis for the first call for proposals to be issued by the new programme in autumn 2012. The call will apply to research projects with start-up in 2013.