Key facts
- Substantial undiscovered oil and gas resources may lie beneath basalt formations in the western Norwegian Sea.
- Thick volcanic layers have historically hindered seismic imaging and exploration drilling in these areas.
- Emerging technologies like ocean-bottom seismic surveys and AI-assisted interpretation could improve subsurface imaging.
- Norway's petroleum industry faces a challenge to offset declining production from mature fields after 2030.
- Renewed exploration interest in the region has implications for European energy security.
Norway may still hold substantial undiscovered oil and gas resources in areas of the Norwegian Sea that have remained virtually untouched by exploration drilling for more than 30 years. According to the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, potentially significant petroleum resources could exist beneath extensive basalt formations in the western Vøring and Møre basins. These areas have attracted limited exploration activity largely because thick volcanic layers make conventional seismic imaging exceptionally difficult. Advances in exploration technology and renewed industry interest could bring this frontier back into focus. Representatives from major energy companies and geophysical specialists presented technical work related to sub-basalt exploration at an industry seminar on October 15. The renewed attention comes as Norway's petroleum industry faces a challenge to offset declining production from mature fields after 2030, with potential new discoveries in the western Norwegian Sea offering a chance to expand the country's long-term resource base and contribute to European energy security.