Norway’s Ministry of Energy has received applications from 21 companies seeking exploration acreage through the Awards in Predefined Areas 2026 licensing round.
APA 2026 covers mature areas of the Norwegian Continental Shelf where geological knowledge and existing infrastructure can support efficient exploration and the development of smaller or time-critical discoveries.
This year’s predefined area has been expanded by 70 blocks or parts of blocks across the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea. The expansion reflects the growing geological understanding of these areas and the availability of previously unlicensed or relinquished acreage.
Applicants include Aker BP, ConocoPhillips, DNO, Equinor, Harbour Energy, INPEX Idemitsu, OKEA, OMV, Repsol, Shell, TotalEnergies and Vår Energi. The ministry has not disclosed the number of individual licence applications because of commercial considerations.
Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland said the level of participation demonstrated continued industry confidence in the potential for new discoveries on the shelf. Norway regards continued exploration as important for maintaining production as output from existing fields declines.
The APA system was introduced in 2003 to encourage timely exploration of mature acreage before nearby production and transportation infrastructure is decommissioned.
Norway expects to award the new production licences at the beginning of 2027.
