Background and Challenges

To keep up with soaring energy demand and combat climate change, Total focuses on diversifying energy supply and enhancing energy efficiency.

Another solution lies in developing our reserves to extend the life of oil and gas resources. At the same time, we are maintaining our commitment to renewable energies and taking a close look at new energy vectors.

Soaring oil prices coupled with environmental issues mean that we have to rethink the way we use energy. In short, we have to consume less, and more efficiently. Total not only produces and supplies energy, but we are also a consumer—which means that energy efficiency is a core concern for us.

Commitments

	Pushing back the limits of fossil fuels
	Efforts by the oil industry are pushing back the forecast depletion of oil and gas resources. We are taking an active role in these initiatives, by looking for new oil and gas reserves and using innovative technologies to fully develop current resources. We are also consolidating our positions across the natural gas chain.

	Pursuing our commitment to renewable energies
	Renewable energies supplement fossil fuels, and are expected to play a major role in the near future. Total is committed to developing biomass, photovoltaic solar energy, and wind and water energy.

	Focusing on new energy vectors
	Synthetic liquid hydrocarbons could replace conventional fuels and would be equally easy for consumers to use. We are keeping a close watch on developments in this area, while also conducting hydrogen fuel cell R&D.

	Enhancing energy efficiency
	Total used 15.4 million metric tons of oil equivalent in 2006, which means that energy efficiency is a core concern for us.