The Gas & Power division focuses on the optimization of the Group's gas resources through marketing, trading, transport of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), LNG re-gasification and natural gas storage.

The division also contributes to the Group's activities in the following areas:

• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shipping and trading.
• Coal production, marketing and trading.
• Power generation from gas-fired power plants or renewable energies.
• Trading and marketing of electricity; and
• Solar power systems (through its subsidiaries Tenesol and Photovoltech).

The Gas & Power division also conducts research and development related to alternative energies as complementary energy resources to oil and gas.

Total is continuing to develop its global presence in each of these activities.

A 60-year experience

Natural gas is abundant and environmentally friendly, making it an ideal energy for the future. Demand is growing steadily, while the increasing use of natural gas for power generation is opening up new markets for producers.

Developing natural gas resources is critical to ensuring future energy supply, which is why Total is active across the natural gas chain, from exploration and production to liquefaction, transportation and transmission, marketing and power generation.

Total has been active in the natural gas sector for more than 60 years and has become a leading gas producer. We are increasingly active in transporting and marketing natural gas and have strong positions in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) segment.

Total has proved natural gas reserves of 26, 218 Bcf at year-end 2008 (742,6 billion cubic meters), accounting for 46% of our total oil and gas reserves. We are strategically committed to strengthening our leadership positions in world natural gas and LNG markets.