Eni SpA (E), 
Italy
's
biggest energy company by market value, said Wednesday it was awarded a new
exploration license in the 
Barents Sea
 by 
Norway
, as
it seeks to expand in the hydrocarbon-rich region. 
	
	
In a statement, Eni said the license awarded is the PL657. The Italian oil
company will hold an 80% stake, while Norwegian state owned 
Petoro
 
AS
 has
the remaining 20%. The license is located just east of the Goliat field, it
added. 
	
	
Eni's current daily output in 
Norway
 is
about 135,000 barrels of oil equivalent. The Italian company has been present in Norway since
1965.