In a new revelation, it has been revealed that the Ministry of Climate actively encouraged increased oil and gas production in the North Sea, even though it was publicly presented as an unsolicited application from the oil company BlueNord. This emerged in a document obtained by Greenpeace and Ritzau, shedding light on the ministry’s double play in relation to Denmark’s energy policy. Back in 2022, when BlueNord applied for permission to expand production in the Elly-Luke field, the Ministry of Climate presented this as a spontaneous inquiry from the company. However, documents from the ministry now show that there was a clear expectation and encouragement for BlueNord to increase its efforts in the North Sea. Climate Minister Lars Aagaard, who took over after the application was submitted, expressed shock and surprise at the situation. “What the fuck, what is this all about,” he said about his initial reaction to the application, indicating a possible internal confusion about the ministry’s own initiatives.
This case has raised serious concerns among politicians and environmental organizations, who see it as a clear example of political double standards. “We have been misled – both the population and the parties in the Folketing,” says Helene Hagel, climate policy leader at Greenpeace. Samira Nawa from the Radical Left (De Radikale) and Signe Munk from the Socialist People’s Party (SF) now demand transparency and accountability from the Ministry of Climate, and a hearing has been called to clarify the ministry’s role and responsibility in the matter. In a time of increased focus on climate change and sustainable energy, this case sharpens the challenges and dilemmas that can arise in the transition to greener energy sources.
The Ministry of Climate has confirmed that meetings were held in 2022 with several oil companies to advance gas projects, as part of a larger strategy to ensure energy supply in light of the international situation, including the war in Ukraine. This was part of a national compromise, but the question of how these decisions are communicated and politically handled remains central to the debate.