Total is the first among world major oil and gas companies to announce about the plans of shale gas extraction in United Kingdom. Total acquired a 40% interest in two shale gas exploration licences in the United Kingdom. The licensed areas are located at the East of central part of UK and have the area of 240 square kilometers.

Commenting on the acquisition, Patrice de Viviès, Total’s Senior Vice President for Northern Europe, said: “This opportunity is an important milestone for Total E&P UK and opens a new chapter for the subsidiary in a promising onshore play. The Group is already involved in shale gas projects in the US, Argentina, China, Australia and in Europe in Poland and in Denmark, and will leverage its expertise in this new venture in the UK.”

On completion of the transaction, Total’s partners in the project will be GP Energy Limited (a subsidiary of Dart Energy Europe) (17.5%), Egdon Resources UK Ltd (14.5%), Island Gas Ltd (IGas) (14.5%) and eCorp Oil & Gas UK Ltd (13.5%). IGas will be the operator of the initial exploration programme, with Total subsequently taking over operatorship as the project moves towards development.