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Norway Oil and Gas Exploration Round Attracts 20 Bidders, Including Equinor and TotalEnergies
Norway’s Ministry of Energy announced on Thursday that it has received applications from 20 oil and gas companies for exploration acreage in its annual Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) licensing round.
The 2025 round features expanded acreage in the Arctic Barents Sea, part of Norway’s strategy to sustain long-term oil and gas production amid Europe’s shifting energy landscape.
According to the ministry, the number of applicants matches last year’s round, when exploration rights were awarded to 20 firms. Energy majors including Equinor, Aker BP, ConocoPhillips, and TotalEnergies were among those submitting bids.
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“It is gratifying to see that there is still great interest and that companies have faith in the opportunities that lie in further exploration,” Energy Minister Terje Aasland said in a statement.
“This will enable Norway to continue to be a stable and predictable supplier of oil and gas to Europe.”
The APA licensing round remains a cornerstone of Norway’s petroleum policy, ensuring access to new acreage in mature regions while balancing environmental concerns and economic interests.
Results from the latest bidding round are expected to be announced in early 2026.
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