Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman, TotalEnergies
Australia, with its vast landscapes and abundant natural resources, has always been a powerhouse of energy production. Historically, the country has relied heavily on its rich reserve of coal and natural gas, which have fueled its economy and powered its cities. However, as the world began to grapple with the realities of climate change, Australia found itself at a crossroads.
However, as the air grew thicker with smoke, and the sky once blue, was painted a haunting orange, it sent a wake-up call for many. The world woke up to the stark reality of global warming and its precarious effect on lives. Over-reliance on fossil fuels, and renewable sources of energy like oil, gas, and petroleum were the significant drivers of this disastrous environmental change.
Amidst this chaos, a global leader was born with a commitment to protect the nation from the deadly clasps of environmental pollution and global warming. Established as Compagnie Française des Pétroles (CFP) in 1924, TotalEnergies’ glorious journey is no less than a saga of human endeavor set against the backdrop of social, technological, and geopolitical changes.
A pioneer in green business with zero carbon tolerance, TotalEnergies evolves through strategic mergers and expansions, transforming into a global energy giant dedicated to delivering cleaner, more reliable, and accessible energy solutions. As they mark their presence in Australia, their story embodies a legacy of innovation, integration, and unwavering commitment to sustainable development, pledged to transform Australia’s energy landscape forever.
Diverse Energy Portfolio: Powering Australia’s Future
TotalEnergies’ operations in Australia span the entire energy spectrum, from traditional hydrocarbons to cutting-edge renewable technologies. Their Exploration & Production (E&P) division is a significant player in the Australian energy sector, with substantial stakes in major Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects, including the Ichthys LNG and Gladstone LNG. These ventures underscore their expertise in developing and managing large-scale energy projects, contributing to Australia’s economic growth and energy security.
Their 26% interest in the Ichthys LNG project and 27.5% stake in Gladstone LNG highlight their commitment to harnessing Australia’s vast natural resources responsibly. These projects involve intricate engineering feats, such as the 900-kilometer subsea pipeline connecting the Browse Basin’s gas fields to the Darwin LNG plant and the 420-kilometer onshore pipeline in Queensland. These initiatives not only supply energy, but also create jobs, stimulate local economies, and foster technological advancements.
Leading the Renewable Revolution
In line with their ambition to be a world-class player in the energy transition, TotalEnergies is spearheading renewable energy projects across Australia. “Leading the change, we see an immense potential in Australia’s natural advantages—abundant sunlight, strong winds, and expansive open spaces,” states Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO and chairperson of TotalEnergies. Through their affiliates, SunPower and Total Eren, Patrick is driving the adoption of solar power and other renewable technologies.
SunPower, a jewel in TotalEnergies’ renewable portfolio, focuses on delivering state-of-the-art solar technology, ensuring that Australian homes and businesses can access clean, efficient, and affordable solar energy. By harnessing the abundant sunlight in Australia, the company is contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a greener future.
Total Eren, a flagship project in renewable energy ventures, has developed a highly innovative utility-scale solar farm, setting new benchmarks in the renewable energy market. This solar farm is a significant step towards Patrick’s mission of building a high-renewable economy advocating zero carbon tolerance. This perfectly aligns with the country’s ambitions to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace sustainable energy sources. “Our wholly-owned affiliate Saft, specializing in high-tech batteries, further complements our renewable energy efforts, providing advanced energy storage solutions essential for a sustainable future,” affirms the CEO.
Marketing & Services: Enhancing Customer Experience
TotalEnergies Marketing Australia, the Marketing & Services (M&S) division, is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the customers with superior products and services. The company’s focus on high-quality lubricants for vehicles and equipment reflects its commitment to performance and sustainability. “We lead the way in developing biodegradable and fuel-efficient lubricants, underscoring our pledge to reduce CO2 emissions and promote environmental stewardship,” Patrick shares.
Their high-quality lubricants not only meet but often exceed industry standards, earning endorsements from leading automotive and equipment manufacturers worldwide. By constantly innovating and improving their offerings, the company aims to provide customers with the best solutions to enhance engine performance, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact.
A Commitment to Excellence and Sustainability
TotalEnergies’ journey is a testament to their dedication to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Their rebranding in 2021 as TotalEnergies S.E. encapsulates the company’s mission to reinvent energy in response to the global climate challenge. As renowned philosopher and entrepreneur Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” At TotalEnergies, Patrick is actively shaping the future of energy by embracing a holistic approach that balances economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social progress.
Closing Thought
With a rich legacy of 100 years, TotalEnergies is poised to lead the world ushering into an age of eco-friendly existence. Curated to be the best in the industry, the company has forged a new path of ethical trading, committed to saving the planet, while excelling in performance and customer satisfaction. By integrating traditional and renewable energy solutions, the company is not only meeting the current energy needs but also paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. As we continue to unravel TotalEnergies’ venture of exploring green energy, we are reminded of their success story to be one of its kind- rich, unique, and exhilarating.