UK Governments Announces 27 Onshore Blocks, 132 Under Assessment

The Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) announced on Tuesday that 27 onshore blocks from the 14th Onshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round will be formally offered to companies.

“With almost 100 applications received, the 14th Onshore Round has attracted significant interest and high-quality proposed work programmes from a range oil and gas companies. Today’s announcement regarding the offer of 27 blocks gives those successful companies assurance about the blocks that they will be formally offered later in the year” OGA Chief Executive Andy Samuel commented in a note. 

OGA is the UK’s oil and gas regulator. 

According to the British government, a second group of 132 further blocks has been subjected to detailed assessment under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, the findings of which are now out for consultation.

‘Subject to the outcome of that consultation, the OGA will announce offers for the second group of licence blocks later in the year. The licences for all offered blocks will then be granted after the terms and conditions have been finalised’ reads the press release.

Announcing the licences, the government also confirmed its focus on onshore activities and shale potentials.  

“We continue to back our onshore oil and gas industry and the safe development of shale gas in the UK. This is why the OGA has moved quickly to confirm the winners of licence blocks which do not need further environmental assessment” UK Energy Minister Lord Bourne commented. 

Last week, the UK Government relaunched its shale campaign, asking local governments to take faster decisions on companies' bids. It also said that the Secretary of State could call in shale applications.