Total Seeks Clarification on Loss of Shale Gas License

Total SA says it is "very surprised" by a French government decision to cancel its authorization to conduct exploration for shale gas in the south of France.

"We are waiting for the government's notification to understand the legal basis on which this permit was canceled," said a Total spokeswoman.

On Monday, Minister of the Environment Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet confirmed that the Montelimar (Drôme) license granted to Total SA, would be repealed.

Two licenses in Nant (Aveyron) and Villeneuve-de-Berg (Ardèche) granted to Schuepbach Energy were also repealed. 

Total's authorization was revoked despite it stressing it would not use the banned technique of hydraulic fracturing in unconventional hydrocarbon extraction, as it continued its investigations into developing shale gas resources.

"The work program described in the report does not use the technique of hydraulic fracturing," Total said.

Although sources indicate that experts judged the report presented by the French group to be in accordance with the law, Total's position was not accepted by the government.

 "We will not accept the press release of Total at face value, we will base ourselves on the report," declared Kosciusko-Morizet earlier.