The Norwegian Government has awarded RWE Dea Norge seven new licenses, of which two as operator in the latest Awards in Predefined Areas round for 2011 (APA 2011).

The two licenses awarded to RWE Dea as operator, each with a 40% share are situated next to the company’s operated license PL330 in the northern part of the Norwegian Sea. These awards are valuable additions and fit well with RWE Dea’s plan to build a strong portfolio in this area. The two new licenses increase the company’s number of operated licenses from four to six.

The five licenses awarded as partner are valuable contributions to building a stronger presence in areas where RWE Dea is already actively exploring.

Managing Director of RWE Dea Norge, Hans-Joachim Polk says: “RWE Dea is pleased to have been offered seven new licenses, which we see as a vote of confidence from the Norwegian Government. They will strengthen our existing strong and long-time presence on the Norwegian shelf, and signal our commitment to continue to make a valuable contribution in the years to come.”

APA 2011 is the most extensive licensing round to date on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, in terms of the number of licenses awarded and the number of companies applying. According to the Norwegian Minister for Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe, the Government extended this year’s round by 23,500 km2 in 2011.

Of the seven licenses awarded to RWE Dea, three are situated in the North Sea, three in the Norwegian Sea and one in the Barents Sea.