The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has given permission to Total and Centrica to carry out exploration drilling in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea.
Total E&P Norge is due to drill well 34/6-2 in licence 554 in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea in June.
It will use the semi-submersible Borgland Dolphin rig in water depth of about 383 metres.
The operation is due to take about 60 days, depending on whether discoveries are made.
Centrica Energi is to start drilling this month on well 6506/11-9S in licence 477 in the Norwegian Sea.
It will be using the Seadrill-operated West Alpha mobile facility in depths of about 249 metres and is due to take about 76 days.