The Norwegian government has granted 57 new production licences for oil and gas exploration and development on the Norwegian Continental Shelf under the 2025 Arctic Petroleum Activity (APA) programme. The move reinforces Norway’s commitment to stable hydrocarbon output while advancing climate-aligned energy policies.
- 57 new production licences awarded under APA 2025
- Total area covered: ~58,000 square kilometres
- 27 exploration licences, 30 development and production licences
- Projects expected to begin in 2028, with first production by 2032
- Projected tax and royalty revenue: over NOK 200 billion ($18.5 billion)
- All licences include mandatory CCS integration and environmental compliance
The Norwegian Ministry of Energy has announced the allocation of 57 new production licences across multiple blocks in the Norwegian Sea, the Barents Sea, and the North Sea. These licences are awarded under the 2025 Arctic Petroleum Activity (APA) framework, which serves as the primary mechanism for government-mandated licensing rounds on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The awarded licences cover a total area of approximately 58,000 square kilometres, with the majority located in the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea. Companies from 14 different countries have secured rights to explore and develop potential hydrocarbon resources, including major international firms and domestic operators. Among the recipients are Statoil (Equinor), Aker BP, and several smaller exploration-focused enterprises. The licensing round includes 27 exploration licences and 30 development and production licences, reflecting a balanced approach to both new discovery and operational expansion. This marks the second largest round since 2010 and signals Norway’s continued role as a stable and attractive jurisdiction for offshore energy investment. The government emphasized that all new licences are subject to stringent environmental safeguards and carbon capture and storage (CCS) integration requirements. Market analysts note the move strengthens Norway’s long-term energy security and supports government revenue projections, with expected tax and royalty income from the new projects estimated at over NOK 200 billion ($18.5 billion) over the next two decades. The development timeline for the first projects is expected to begin in 2028, with initial production anticipated by 2032.