As is the right thing to do, Alaskans insist that the oil and other industries adopt global best practices when operating in the state.
But is Alaska itself, particularly now that it has decided to become a co-investor in the Alaska LNG project, following global best practices in its dealings with the industry. The answer may be no.
One of the most successful governments in the world in terms of maximizing benefit to its citizens from the development of its resources is Norway. By partnering with industry, Norway has both successfully slowed the decline curve in oil and gas production and successfully developed a global gas and LNG industry. In addition, Norway is maintaining a strong exploration program at a time that, even under SB 21, Alaska’s continues to struggle.
What is Norway doing that produces these results and are those steps transferable to another Arctic government, Alaska?
To date, Alaska has not been very good about asking itself those questions. One reason is distance; another is lack of opportunity.
On June 19-20, the Institute of the North is helping to close that gap by arranging for Alaskans to meet with and discuss these issues with representatives of the Norwegian government sectors responsible for the nation’s successful dealings with the oil industry.
As an add-on to the Institute’s Finland Policy Tour, the Institute has arranged for two intensive days of briefings and meetings with representatives of the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, Petoro (the state owned entity responsible for co-investment in the oil & gas sector), the Ministry of Petroleum & Energy and the Ministry of Finance (responsible for tax policy) to discuss Norway’s approach to partnering with the industry and, through dialogue with those participating, its potential applicability to Alaska.
In addition during the two days, participants will receive a briefing on Norway’s approach to remote LNG distribution systems and meet with Tschudi Shipping.
The two-day session is available either as an add-on to those otherwise participating in the Finland tour or, as I intend to do, separately to those wanting to focus solely on Norway. With one-stop air service through Icelandair, Alaskans are only 11 hours from Oslo. Pricing and arrangements are available from Nils Andreassen, Executive Director, phone: (907) 786-6324, email: nandreassen@institutenorth.org.
Thoughts on Alaska Oil & Gas 
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