Lights out 94 blocks in the Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea

Government announces 94 blocks in the 21st licensing round for the Norwegian shelf, there are six fewer than the 100 proposed blocks.

Government announces 94 blocks in the Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea in the 21st licensing round for the Norwegian shelf. There are six fewer than the 100 proposed blocks.

Originally, earlier this winter they sent out consultation proposals for a total of 100 blocks or parts of blocks. The allocation of the 94 blocks to the oil companies will take place in spring 2011.

Increased knowledge about the accident with the Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico will be part of the decision basis for the awards, highlights of Petroleum and Energy Terje Riis-Johansen (Q).

“We are working intensely to find the balance between the petroleum and fisheries and environmental concerns, and I’m proud of the work we have done with the management plans” he said.

Activity Level

The minister believes that the 21st Licensing Round will contribute to a steady level of activity and therefore be positive for employment and production.

There are significant for resource access and activity on the Norwegian continental shelf. This is crucial for how Norway looks in the future in relation to the welfare state and activity, said Riis-Johansen.

The case has been a hard nut for the red-green government, because of disagreement about how many blocks to be announced.

Riis-Johansen wanted to lease out 100 blocks, while Environment Minister Erik Solheim (SV) should have the desired 18 fewer and Fisheries Lisbeth Berg-Hansen (Ap) will be opposed to 8 blocks – or geographical areas on the shelf.

Controversial

Several consultative bodies have received the announcement of a number of blocks the 21st licensing round. Ocean Research Institute says no to 39 blocks, the Directorate for Nature Management 13 and Climate & Pollution Control Directorate 11 fields. Fisheries Directorate committed to 81 of 100 sites.

During the Lofoten hearing in Svolvaer in early June, Riis-Johansen was clear that all the awards in 21st round would be suspended pending the collecting information by the government about the accident with the oil rig Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico.

(© NTB)

Source: Aftenbladet