Shell and BP are among 17 companies that have been awarded 24 licenses in the second share of the 33rd oil and gas licensing round.
Over 25% of oil and gas sites sit in marine protected areas
Some 27% of offshore oil and gas sites licenced last month sit in marine protected areas prized for their rare habitats and species.
Government confirms annual oil and gas licencing
The government has confirmed the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) will invite applications for new oil and gas licences on an annual basis.
Rosebank development given green light by regulator
Rosebank oil field has been given the green light by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) to produce fossil fuels.
