New Research Centre for Petroleum (PETROSENTER)
The New Research Centre for Petroleum (PETROSENTER) by the Research Council of Norway funds advanced research centres to address major scientific challenges in petroleum activities on the Norwegian continental shelf.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: March 18, 2026 (mandatory outline) | September 23, 2026 (main application)
Funding Amounts: NOK 80–120 million per centre (up to 2 centres); total NOK 240 million; max 8 years per centre
Summary: Supports up to two new research centres to address key challenges in petroleum research on the Norwegian continental shelf, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and broad collaboration.
Key Information: Submission of a project outline by March 18, 2026 is mandatory to qualify for the main call.
Description
This funding opportunity from the Research Council of Norway aims to establish up to two advanced research centres (PETROSENTER) focused on addressing major challenges related to petroleum activities on the Norwegian continental shelf. The centres are intended to foster internationally competitive research, promote innovation, and enhance value creation and societal benefit through targeted, long-term scientific efforts. PETROSENTER will cover a broad range of thematic areas, including emissions reduction, subsurface understanding, drilling and well abandonment, production and transport optimization, and safety and working environment improvements. The programme strongly encourages collaboration between research organisations and industry partners, as well as the integration of disruptive and high-risk research activities. Centres are expected to be flexible and responsive to evolving sectoral challenges, contribute to Norway’s climate and energy goals, and strengthen knowledge transfer, communication, and recruitment across the petroleum value chain.
