OSLO, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Norway's energy ministry said

on Thursday it has received applications from 20 oil and gas

companies seeking exploration acreage in the government's annual

mature-areas (APA) licensing round.

This year's round will contain more acreage in the Arctic

Barents Sea, part of Norway's strategy to extend the life of its

oil industry, the government has said.

The number of applicants was in line with last year's

APA round, when acreage was awarded to 20 companies.

Equinor ( EQNR ), Aker BP ( AKRBF ), ConocoPhillips ( COP )

and TotalEnergies were among the companies

applying.

"It is gratifying to see that there is still great

interest and that companies have faith in the opportunities that

lie in further exploration," Energy Minister Terje Aasland said

in a statement.

"This will enable Norway to continue to be a stable and

predictable supplier of oil and gas to Europe," he added.