Southern England Update

WESSEX EXPLORATION PLC

(AIM: WSX)

Successful Applications in the United Kingdom 26th Seaward Licensing Round

Wessex Exploration PLC ("Wessex" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the provisional award by the UK Department of the Environment and Climate Change ("DECC") of varied interests in five Promote exploration blocks ("Blocks"), offshore Southern England, located within the English Channel.

The second tranche of awards in the 26th Seaward Licensing Round was announced by DECC on 30 December 2011. Wessex and NWE Mirrabooka (UK) Pty Limited ("NWE Mirrabooka"), a subsidiary of Perth based, Australian listed company Norwest Energy NL will hold 35% and 65% equity and working interest in the Blocks respectively. NWE Mirrabooka will be the administrator (operator).

Subject to relevant documentation being completed in respect of acceptance of the offer of the Blocks the awards will allow Wessex and NWE Mirrabooka to explore the Blocks for a period of two years. Geological and geophysical studies will be conducted in conjunction with the acquisition and interpretation of new 2-D seismic data. The interests can convert from a Promote to Traditional status with a drill-or-drop well commitment.

The Blocks offered are 98/6b, 98/7b, 98/8, 98/12 (Part) and 98/13 (Split). The interests in the Blocks lie to the east and southeast of the giant Wytch Farm oil field. The acreage is believed to contain at least six different structural leads with a geological chance of success of these leads ranging from 15% to 32%.

The provisional award of the Blocks complements Wessex's existing interests in Southern England in which it holds 50% and 25% in two Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences ("PEDLs"), PEDLs 238 and 239 respectively.

Frederik Dekker, managing director of Wessex, commented:

"Wessex is very pleased with the offer of this highly prospective acreage and we have every intention with the support of our partner NWE Mirrabooka to bring at least one of the leads to a drillable status as soon as possible."

This announcement has been approved by Frederik Dekker, BSc. (Geology), MA (Geology) FGS, who is a registered professional geologist with the American Association of Petroleum Geologist (AAPG). Mr Dekker is the Managing Director of Wessex and has over 40 years of experience in the oil industry.