Total Chief Blunt Over Shale Gas

The chief executive of Total SA has warned that French authorities are endangering energy security by preventing the exploration of unconventional gas resources in the country.

The Financial Times reports that Christophe de Margerie, warned of consequences if the authorities continue to withhold an exploration permit.

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of the Environment Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet confirmed that the Montelimar (Drôme) license granted to Total, would be repealed.

Two licenses in Nant (Aveyron) and Villeneuve-de-Berg (Ardèche) granted to Schuepbach Energy were also repealed.

Total's authorization was revoked despite it stressing it would not use the banned technique of hydraulic fracturing in unconventional hydrocarbon extraction.

The French major's position was reportedly supported by experts who judged the report presented by the company to be in accordance with the law.

Irrespective, Total's position was not accepted by the government. 

A spokesperson for Total has earlier deferred on matters of a potential claim of compensation against the government.

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