North Sea oil, gas exploration interest sets record
(Reuters) - Britain has seen unprecedented interest in developing North Sea oil and gas fields, with companies applying for a record 224 licences covering 418 blocks in its latest exploration round, the government said on Wednesday.
Britain's 27th licensing round was launched in February and breaks the record for applications set in the previous round by 37.
"There remains an extraordinary level of interest in North Sea oil and gas, and it is tremendous news for industry and for the UK economy," UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry said.
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Britain's oil and gas output passed its peak in 1999, but the government estimates there could still be over 20 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) in UK waters, and hopes the latest licensing round will help get it out.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/05/22/uk-northsea-idUKBRE84L1EE20120522
