India showcases ambitious deepwater energy drive in Norway

Bergen: In a significant step towards developing a comprehensive Exploration & Production (E&P) technology ecosystem in India, a high-level roundtable was held with key players from Norway’s renowned Offshore Energy Cluster in Bergen.

The discussions focused on India’s deepwater energy ambitions under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As part of India’s strategic energy roadmap, the Government has announced the launch of Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Round 10, targeting exploration of over 2.5 lakh square kilometers, making it one of the largest offshore exploration bidding rounds globally.

The roundtable saw invigorating discussions on cutting-edge technologies critical to offshore and deep-sea energy development.

Topics ranged from well services, subsea operations, HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) wells, to drillships, submersible rigs, and real-time monitoring technologies — all key to unlocking India’s offshore hydrocarbon potential.

The session brought together experts and representatives from leading Norwegian energy firms including TechnipFMC, Reach Subsea, DNV, Odfjell Drilling, CCB Subsea, Shearwater, and innovation bodies such as Innovasjon Norge and Norwegian Energy Partners (NORWEP).

Also present was Equinor India, showcasing the growing collaboration between Indian and Norwegian energy stakeholders.

HE Jostein Dahl Karlsen, representing the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy, highlighted Norway’s commitment to strengthening energy cooperation with India, particularly in clean, efficient, and technologically advanced offshore operations.

This engagement underscores India’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in deepwater E&P technologies, aligning with the broader goals of energy security, sustainability, and strategic autonomy.

As India opens new frontiers in offshore exploration, partnerships with global leaders like Norway will play a pivotal role in realizing the full potential of its hydrocarbon reserves while advancing toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future.