The UK's Government has awarded a further 52 North Sea oil and gas exploration licenses, bringing the total number of awards offered in the 27th Round to 219.
The figure represents a record, with the number of smaller independent companies being offered awards also representing a high level.
Some 21 small size new entrant companies to the North Sea were made offers, three times the number provided to independent oil and gas explorers in the last round.
The initial tranche of 27th licensing Round offers of award was made earlier this year, with 167 production licenses covering 330 blocks offered.
The 28th round is expected to launch with an in January, 2014. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said applications to apply will be required within a 90 day period. The exact areas available in the round will be subject to ministerial decision.
In addition, DECC is planning to launch the 14th onshore license round next year.
Energy minister Michael Fallon announced the awards at the Association of UK Independent Oil and Gas Exploration Companies (BRINDEX) Annual Dinner last night.
He said government is working closely with industry to put in place the right fiscal and regulatory incentives in order to encourage more exploration by smaller independent companies.
He said: "BRINDEX members form part of the vanguard of oil and gas explorers who are finding new ways to get at and extract these vital resources."
Government/industry body PILOT has an Exploration Taskforce, which has been working to encourage smaller companies to look at exploring under-developed areas of the North Sea.
In June 2013, the UK Government also announced a review of UK offshore oil and gas recovery and its regulation, led by Sir Ian Wood.
Sir Ian Wood recently published his interim proposals. Read more: http://www.oedigital.com/component/k2/item/4408-new-ukcs-regulator-proposed
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