First gas from K5F Netherlands field using inno...

TOTAL S.A.
                  

First gas from K5F Netherlands field using innovative subsea technology

Paris, September 10, 2008 - Total announces today the production of first gas
from the K5F field, part of its gas development project in the K5a block of the
Dutch Continental Shelf, located approximately 115 kilometres northwest of Den
Helder on the Dutch Coast.

K5F will be the first project in the world to use all-electrically activated
subsea equipment ('Christmas Trees') as opposed to hydraulically operated
standard technology. This step change in subsea technology will bring increased
system reliability and enhanced environmental performance. Furthermore it will
add to Total's capability of bringing new production from deepwater fields,
including frontier areas of the North Sea where Total continues its strategy of
investment in exploration and production.

Total is the operator of the K5F field, with its partners E.B.N, Dyas B.V., Goal
Petroleum (Netherlands) B.V. and Lundin Netherlands B.V.

Production began on September 6, 2008, and the field is currently producing
approximately 45 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. Production is
expected to ramp up to 90 million standard cubic feet of gas per day in the
coming months.

The development phase included the completion of two subsea wells, and the
installation of a 10 kilometre long, 20 cm diameter subsea pipeline which is
connected to the existing K6N satellite platform. After treatment, the gas is
transported onshore to Uithuizen (Groningen) through the NoordGasTransport
pipeline.

The K5F development, together with the recent Goal acquisition strengthens the
position of Total E&P Nederland B.V. as a major player in the Dutch gas
exploration and production industry.

Total Exploration and Production in the Netherlands

Total E&P Nederland B.V. has been involved in the exploration and production of
natural gas in the Netherlands and the North Sea Continental Shelf since 1964.
Its operated production is about 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day,
while its own production share amounts to 44,000 barrels of oil equivalent per
day.

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