Norway: Siltanews – News Desk
Norway’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has launched the award in pre-defined areas 2025 (APA 2025) round for oil and gas exploration activity, covering the predefined areas on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) with blocks in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and the Barents Sea.
After the Norwegian Ministry of Energy sent out a proposal for the APA 2025 for public consultation on January 14, 2025, with a consultation deadline of February 25, a total of 30 consultation statements were received from private individuals, companies, organizations, government agencies, and ministries.
Several of the consultation statements dealt with petroleum activities and climate considerations, as the Norwegian climate policy is based on the principles of the UN-led climate cooperation, including the Paris Agreement, and petroleum activities are subject to a strict emissions regulation regime that the Storing has endorsed.
While the ministry claims that no new, significant information has been received through the consultation, it also emphasizes that consideration for fisheries, shipping, shipwrecks, and possible cultural heritage has been taken into account through the general conditions contained in the concession documents and through established regulations.
Afterward, the Ministry of Energy announced APA 2025 on May 9, 2025, encompassing the predefined areas with blocks in the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with awards expected during the first quarter of 2026.