Peking University, March 26, 2024: The Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanné, engaged in a dialogue session hosted by Peking University (PKU) Guanghua School of Management's Dean Liu Qiao on March 24. The focus was on TotalEnergies’ strategic transformations and technological innovations amid global energy transition trends.

Pouyanné articulated TotalEnergies’ approach, highlighting three criteria for evaluating energy sources: reliability, affordability, and sustainability. While he underscored the significance of investing in future energy solutions, Pouyanné also emphasized the necessity of oil and gas production to meet the escalating global energy demand.

A realistic timeframe would be required for the energy transition to unfold fully, as renewable energy alone cannot swiftly replace traditional sources. In light of the persistent rise in energy demand, traditional sources retain their importance as cost-effective and dependable energy providers.

While advocating for renewable energy, Pouyanné recognized the continued relevance of traditional energy sources in the interim. He highlighted TotalEnergies’ transition from coal to gas, citing gas as a contemporary energy source with lower carbon emissions and greater flexibility. Gas, particularly as liquefied natural gas (LNG), offers advantages such as ease of transportation and its ability to complement renewable energy sources in hybrid systems.

In terms of future energy investments, Pouyanné underscored the importance of technologies like energy storage, carbon sinks, and carbon capture projects. He emphasized the need to not only reduce emissions but also actively remove carbon from the atmosphere to achieve net-zero emissions.

Pouyanné shares about TotalEnergies' energy transition strategy

The dialogue session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, allowing students to delve deeper into these topics and engage in further discussion.

TotalEnergies is a leading global energy company that operates across the entire energy value chain, from exploration and production to refining, marketing, and renewable energies. With a commitment to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions, TotalEnergies is at the forefront of addressing the challenges posed by the global energy transition.

About Guanghua Thought Leaders Series

The Guanghua Thought Leaders Series, initiated by PKU Guanghua School of Management, actively serves as a vibrant platform for students to engage with distinguished figures from across the globe, including pioneering academics, industry executives, and government leaders. Previous speakers have featured internationally renowned individuals such as Nobel laureate Dr. Robert Wilson, former President of the European Commission and Prime Minister of Italy Romano Prodi, and Starbucks founder Howard Schultz. This series not only fosters cross-cultural exchange and learning but also embodies the school's commitment to cultivating outstanding talents with global perspectives and leadership qualities.

Written by: Shi Xinyao
Edited by: Dennis Meng