The photo shows karstified (dissolved) marble at Liland in Evenes municipality.

The Norwegian authorities have received applications from 31 companies in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2021.

The deadline for applications was 8 September.

"It’s gratifying to see the continued high level of interest to identify additional resources near existing fields and infrastructure", says Kalmar Ildstad, director of licence management at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD).

The NPD will now start the work of evaluating the applications with focus on geological understanding and plans for exploration of the areas.

Offers announced early in 2022

When production licences are awarded, emphasis is also placed on the companies’ technical expertise and experience, as well as financial strength.

The authorities plan to announce which companies will be offered ownership interests in APA 2021 early in 2022.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Norwegian Petroleum Directorate