GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd was awarded seven new oil and gas licenses in the 26th UK Licensing Round by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). These awards include five operated licenses. Four of the new licenses are located in the Central North Sea, two in the Southern North Sea and one West of Shetland.

GDF SUEZ's commitment to the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) was further evidenced with the announcement by the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) that development of Phase 2 of the West Franklin field had been approved. GDF SUEZ holds a 10.389% interest in West Franklin via its shareholding in EFOG (Elgin Franklin Oil & Gas Ltd), a joint venture with Total E&P UK Ltd.

Jean-Claude Perdigues, GDF SUEZ E&P UK Managing Director commented, "The license awards and the approval of West Franklin Phase 2 underline our commitment to significantly grow our UK business through the development of a focused portfolio of exploration and production assets. The new licenses are located in our three core areas of activity: the Central North Sea, West of Shetland or the Southern North Sea, close to Cygnus and Juliet, our existing operated assets."

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