The licence is located in southeastern Algeria and covers an area of 2730 square kilometres. Statoil bid in partnership with Shell, where Statoil will be the operator with 30% equity, Shell will hold 19% equity and the remaining 51% will be held by Sonatrach.

The award represents an opportunity to test a potentially large shale resource play. The opportunity is aligned with Statoil’s exploration strategy of early access at scale and deepening core positions.

The new licence represents an opportunity to build on the existing country position by adding acreage with material exploration potential. The large shale potential in Algeria may become an increasingly important component of the country’s gas exports to Europe in the future.

“Statoil is entering this shale play to test the prospectivity and commerciality through a step-wise approach. The first exploration phase is expected to last up to 2017 and include the drilling of two wells and seismic acquisition,” says Nick Maden, senior vice president for Statoil's exploration activities in the Western Hemisphere.

The award is part of the Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mines, National Agency for Hydrocarbon Resources Valorisation’s (ALNAFT) Fourth International Bid Round, which was launched in January 2014.

Statoil is already present in Algeria and announced in September 2014 with its joint venture partners a decision to resume ordinary operations at the In Amenas plant, following the In Amenas attack.

The decision to re-enter was the result of a thorough and stepwise process to identify the necessary security measures, implementing them and validating that they are in place and operational. Through this process Statoil has gained valuable knowledge which will be applied in future activities.

About Statoil

Statoil ASA (OSE: STL, NYSE: STO) is an international energy company with operations in 36 countries. Building on 40 years of experience from oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf, we are committed to accommodating the world's energy needs in a responsible manner, applying technology and creating innovative business solutions. We are headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, with approximately 23,000 employees worldwide, and are listed on the Oslo and New York stock exchanges.

About Royal Dutch Shell plc

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects.

About Sonatrach

Sonatrach is the largest oil and gas company in Algeria and Africa. The company operates in exploration, production, pipeline transportation and marketing of hydrocarbons and by products.
As part of a diversification strategy, Sonatrach stepped up investments in power generation, new and renewable energies, water desalination, and mining exploration and exploitation. The international strategy of the company includes operations in several parts of the world namely: in Africa (Mali, Niger, Libya, Egypt), in Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal, Great Britain), in Latin America (Peru) and in the USA.
With a turnover nearing $56,1 billion in 2010, Sonatrach is ranked first company in Africa and 12th in the world. It is also 4th world LNG exporter, 3rd world LPG exporter and 5th World Natural gas exporter.