WSJ: Total Looking At UK Shale Gas Opportunities - CEO

France's Total SA is looking at shale gas opportunities in Britain, Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie said Tuesday in the first strong sign of interest from an oil major in the U.K.'s nascent industry.

Mr. de Margerie said the company is in talks to take a stake in a project in the U.K. and is also considering bidding in next year's onshore licensing round.

He declined to say which company or companies are involved in the talks with Total, which would be the first oil major to enter the U.K. industry.

His comments come as IGas Energy PLC prepares to drill an exploration well in the Bowland shale in northwest England during the current quarter.  MORE