Total To Invest in EDF Dunkirk LNG Terminal

Total has announced plans to invest in Électricité de France (EDF)’s proposed Dunkirk LNG terminal, following its decision to close its Flanders refinery.

The firm will reserve regasification capacity in the planned LNG terminal being developed by Dunkerque LNG, an EDF subsidiary.

The terminal with a regasification capacity of 10 billion to 13 billion cubic metres per year would satisfy 20% of France’s natural gas needs.

An interest in the Dunkirk LNG terminal will enable Total to expand its LNG regasification capacity reservations and strengthen its ability to serve French and European markets.

The firm also announced plans to close its Flanders refinery, which reported a €130m loss in 2009 due to shrinking demand for petroluem products.

The investment in the EDF terminal stems from the need to create alternative jobs for Flanders workers, guaranteed by Total.

The new terminal is expected to be commissioned by Dunkerque LNG in 2014.