Norwegian Ministry of Energy sets Sept. 1 applications deadline for blocks in APA 2026

The Norwegian Ministry of Energy set a Sept. 1 applications deadline for its 2026 Awards in Predefined Areas (APA), the annual licensing round covering the most mature petroleum exploration areas on the Norwegian continental shelf. Awards will be announced during first-quarter 2027.

In a release May 5, the Ministry said the APA area is being enlarged by a total of 70 new blocks.

Since APA 2025, the predefined areas have been expanded by 22 blocks and parts of blocks in the North Sea, 10 blocks in the Norwegian Sea, and 38 in the Barents Sea, the Norwegian Offshore Directorate said in a separate release. Applications can be submitted for all available blocks or parts of blocks within the predefined areas.

“Norway’s oil and gas industry is vital to Norway and to Europe. Today, the Government is announcing new exploration acreage in APA in order to further develop the petroleum sector, so that it can continue to create substantial value for society, provide the basis for good jobs throughout the country, safeguard our common welfare, and contribute to Europe’s energy security and safety,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The announcement includes acreage that companies nominated for the 26th licensing round in autumn 2025. A 26th licensing round will therefore not be held in 2026. The Ministry will continue its work on the 26th licensing round.

Earlier this year, 19 oil and gas companies were awarded production licenses on the Norwegian Continental Shelf as part of Norway’s APA 2025 licensing round.