Bulgaria approved Shell to explore for oil and gas in Block 1-26 Khan Tervel, located in the exclusive economic zone of Bulgaria in the Black Sea, Bulgaria's Ministry of Energy announced on Wednesday.
Shell was among four companies that submitted offers for an exploration permit on June 18, the ministry said.
Subject to permit award, Shell Exploration and Production B.V., a subsidiary of Shell, will conduct the exploration work including providing geological and geophysical works, 3D seismic surveys, processing and interpretation of seismic data, assessment of the potential of the area, and more.
'The exploration for oil and natural gas in the Bulgarian economic zone in the Black Sea is key for a successful response to the challenges linked to our energy independence,' Bulgarian Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov said.
'Following the permit award, we plan to acquire seismic data to better understand the subsurface,' Shell's Executive Vice President for Exploration, Strategy and Portfolio, Eugene Okpere said.
Block 1-26 Khan Tervel, covering an area of slightly more than 4,000 square kilometers, is located south of Block 1-21 Khan Asparuh.
By Basak Erkalan
Anadolu Agency
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