Norwegian Oil giant, Statoil has caused controversy amongst environmentalists after announcing they will move further into the Arctic in 2014.

The international energy company said it will drill up to 25 new wells at Norway’s northernmost point; plans which have caused outrage with environmental organisation Greenpeace, who are concerned that the drilling will negatively impact a unique nature reserve nearby.

According to Greenpeace, the drilling, which is closer to the edge of winter sea ice than before threatens near by Bear Island, a wildlife sanctuary occasionally home to polar bears. 

In response, Statoil’s head of exploration in the area made assurances that while they appreciate and understand Greenpeace’s concerns, Statoil is confident that it has the technology and expertise to safely explore the area.

The decision to drill in the Hoop geological formation in the Arctic Barents Sea follows the recent discovery of 164 million barrels of oil in the area by Austrian energy firm OMV – a find that has increased the appetite for exploration in the area amongst energy companies as an increase in resource would reduce costs significantly.