Total seeks Shale Gas in France

Total SA has announced it was awarded a permit to explore for shale gas in the a southern area of France.

The five-year permit to explore a 1,670 square-mile area in  prospective shale gas deposits locked in a region that spans from Valence to the region of Montpellier.

Yves-Louis Darricarrere, president of exploration and production for Total, said the permit would give his company the opportunity to confirm the presence of shale gas in the area.

"Should the first geological activities be promising, exploration wells will be drilled in order to evaluate this potential," the executive added.

Source: United Press International