New Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Terje Søviknes (photo: OED)

Terje Søviknes (Progress Party) has been appointed Minister of Petroleum and Energy in Prime Minister Erna Solberg’s cabinet. Søviknes replaces Tord Lien, who was Minister of Petroleum and Energy from 16th of October 2013.

“I am looking forward to continuing the Government's work at the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy. This area of policy is very important for Norway, and has great significance for employment, value creation and revenues for the Norwegian society,” says the newly appointed Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Terje Søviknes (Progressive Party).

Since 1999, Søviknes has served as Mayor of Os municipality. He is a member of the Hordaland County Executive Board and a member of the Progress Party Group Steering Committee. He is also the leader of the Hordaland County Progress Party group and Board Member of Hordaland Progressive Party. Søviknes is an aqua engineer of education, and has studied economics at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH).

“It has been a privilege to lead the work at the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy for a period of more than three years. Energy policy has been high on the public agenda throughout this period. I wish Terje Søviknes the best of luck continuing this work,” says Tord Lien.

State secretary Kjell-Børge Freiberg and State Secretary Ingvil Smines Tybring-Gjedde will remain in their positions at the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, along with Political Adviser Elnar Holmen.

Tags: Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy