Launch of New Program

Total S.A.
03 November 2005


                   Total Launches Gas-to-Liquids R&D Program


Paris - November 3, 2005 - As part of its new R&D program on converting natural
gas to liquids (GTL processes), Total recently signed a cooperation agreement
with a number of partners in science and industry, including Battelle subsidiary
Velocys.

The program is primarily designed to develop a new technology that uses
microchannel reactors and more active catalysts to produce the synthesis gas
used in the Fischer-Tropsch process. A pilot unit will be set up as part of the
Program. The main objective is to make the chemical conversion process more
efficient to ensure enhanced development of natural resources and a significant
reduction in emissions, particularly of greenhouse gases.

Total is a major international operator in all areas of gas monetization. In
addition to having stakes in nine LNG projects, Total is also recognized for its
expertise in sour gas processing.



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Total is the fourth largest oil and gas company in the world with operations in
more than 130 countries. Total's activities cover the whole energy chain of the
petroleum industry: exploration, oil and gas production, refining and marketing,
trading and power generation. The Group is also a major player in chemicals.
Total has more than 111,000 employees worldwide. More information can be found
on the company's website: www.total.com


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