French company Total drops shale gas well in Denmark after disappointing drilling results

French energy company Total has halted a shale gas project in Denmark after disappointing results in exploratory drilling.

Total said Tuesday the amount of gas found near Dybvad in northern Jutland was "not sufficient for commercial extraction" and that there would be no further exploration on the license "for the time being." The license expires next year.

The company earlier this year handed back another license in eastern Denmark.

Denmark's Energy Agency said there are currently no plans to issue new licenses for shale gas exploration.

Total's announcement was welcomed by environmental activists campaigning against fracking, the process used to extract shale gas.

Greenpeace Denmark called it a "partial victory" but vowed to continue campaigning against Total's shale gas activities and for a parliamentary ban on fracking.