RNS Number:1860S
Total S.A.
18 November 2003


          Commissioning of Pilot Dimethyl Ether Production Plant
                                   In Japan    

Paris, November 18, 2003 - Total announces the commissioning in Japan in early
December of a pilot plant to produce dimethyl ether (DME) by direct synthesis of
natural gas. The recently completed facility, located in Kishuro on Hokkaido
Island, has a production capacity of 100 metric tons a day. It will be used to
validate this new technology with a view to building a commercial 3,000-metric-
ton-per day unit.


Total is working in partnership with nine Japanese companies to develop this
clean, environmentally friendly fuel.


DME is a liquefied gas synthesized from natural gas or other gases. It has
similar physical properties to liquefied petroleum gas. It does not generate
sulfur oxides or particulates when burned, is transported as a liquid, and can
be used as a transportation fuel and for power generation.


The plant's commissioning is in line with Total's commitment to conducting
research and development into new divisions that would leverage its gas
resources.



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
through its chemicals branch, Atofina. Total has 121,500 employees worldwide.
More information can be found on the company's website: www.total.com



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