Natural gas is increasingly used to satisfy the growing demand for energy in a responsible way, particularly for power generation. At the same time, as oil and gas production reaches its peak, it is becoming indispensable to mobilize all available energy resources to meet energy needs as fully as possible. Total has opted for this solution. By creating a Natural Gas & Renewable Energy branch, the Group is betting on renewable solar energy and biomass to shape the energy landscape of the future.

More and more employees to diversify our energy mix

The Natural Gas & Renewable Energy branch currently has close to 7,500 employees working throughout the world. Their ranks are constantly swelling: in 2010, they accounted for only 1.8% of the Group’s workforce, whereas in 2011, they already represent nearly 8% of our teams.

This development reflects the Group’s growing commitment in the field of renewable energy.

Optimizing natural gas resources: an itinerary of expertise

Total is a major player in the global natural gas market, with more than 60 years of experience in the field. Its expertise covers natural gas as well as liquid natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The Group’s Natural Gas & Renewable Energy branch has demonstrated proficiency across the entire natural gas chain:

• marketing, trading and transport of natural gas, LNG and electrical energy;
• LNG regasification;
• natural gas storage;
• LPG shipping and trading.

The branch’s activities also extend to:
• power generation at stations fuelled by natural gas or operating on renewable energy;
• coal production, trading and marketing, mainly for power generation.

In 2011, the work accomplished by this branch resulted in the sale of 13.2 Mt of liquid natural gas and 5.7 Mt of liquefied petroleum gas.

A priority commitment to renewable energy

Alongside its natural gas activities, the Natural Gas & Renewable Energy branch is involved in developing energies that are virtually or completely greenhouse gas-neutral. It is actively engaged in two directions:
• solar energy (mainly photovoltaic);
• biomass conversion for the production of biofuels, among other energy sources.