Cluff Natural Resources (CNR) has been awarded 11 licences by the DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) in the UK’s 28th offshore licensing round.
The company has been awarded blocks including 41/5, 41/10 and 42/1 in Southern North Sea.
All of the blocks are in close proximity to the Breagh Gas field.
Cluff Natural Resource said it believes the area is an under explored emerging area which could be responsive to seismic and drilling technology.
Algy Cluff, chairman and chief executive of CNR, said: “I am delighted to report that DECC has provisionally awarded CNR these new licences within the Southern North Sea area of the UK.
“Whilst CNR already has a portfolio of eight offshore Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) Licences totalling 61,274 hectares in the UK, securing eleven North Sea licences is a major achievement for our Company and further establishes our position as a natural resources focussed investing company and reflects our commitment to the UK and to the North Sea.
“This Company has a particular interest in the conventional gas sector as well as a determination to safely and cleanly convert offshore coal to gas.”
A total of 134 licences covering 252 blocks were issued as part of the 28th offshore licensing round.
The sheer number saw this year’s awards total-up to one of the most substantial issues in five decades.