The award is part of the Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mines, National Agency for Hydrocarbon Resources Valorisation’s fourth international bid round that was introduced in January 2014.
Statoil will operate the license, which cover 2730km² area, with 30% stake while Shell will own 19% interest and the remaining equity will be held by Sonatrach.
Statoil said the new license, located in southeastern Algeria, marks an opportunity to expand its presence in the country by the addition of acreage with material exploration potential.
Statoil Western Hemisphere exploration activities senior vice president Nick Maden said: "Statoil is entering this shale play to test the prospectivity and commerciality through a step-wise approach.
"The first exploration phase is expected to last up to 2017 and include the drilling of two wells and seismic acquisition."
Statoil along with its joint venture partners has unveiled plans in September 2014 to restart ordinary operations at the In Amenas plant, after the attack.
