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TotalEnergies SE, an integrated energy and oil and gas corporation headquartered in France, has been a leader in the oil and gas sector since 1924. One of the seven “supermajor” oil companies, TotalEnergies covers the entire oil and gas complex, from exploration and production to power generation, transportation, refining, marketing of petroleum products, and global trade. It also plays a prominent role in chemical production.

In the post-World War I period, with the looming fear of another war with Germany, French President Raymond Poincaré envisioned a self-sufficient France, not dependent on foreign oil. Refusing to cooperate with Royal Dutch Shell, he created Total in 1924, then called Compagnie française des pétroles (CFP). This ambitious endeavor, backed by 90 banks and companies, was entrusted to Colonel Ernest Mercier. This strategic initiative proved successful, and Total became one of the world’s leading oil companies.

In its early years, CFP set its sights on exploration and production, which led to several significant discoveries in the Middle East. The company expanded its horizons by organizing the refining and marketing of oil around the world. By the 1960s, CFP had made significant advances in the chemical industry and acquired several other oil companies.

In 1999, CFP merged with Belgium’s Petrofina to form TotalFina. The following year, TotalFina accomplished the remarkable feat of acquiring the French company Elf Aquitaine, resulting in the creation of TotalFinaElf. In 2003, after significant restructuring, the company was renamed Total SA.

To emphasize its commitment to renewable energy and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, Total SA rebranded in 2021 and became TotalEnergies SE. This was a progressive step towards a sustainable future and demonstrated the company’s determination to make a positive difference to the environment.

For generations, TotalEnergies has been a significant player in the global energy sector, making innovative discoveries in oil and gas and contributing significantly to the chemical industry. The company is now paving the way for the energy transition by actively investing in renewable energy and preparing to meet the challenges of today’s energy landscape.

In 1924, the French Petroleum Company (CFP) was founded, marking the beginning of a new period in energy production and exploration.

In 1954, CFP revolutionized the world with the discovery of the Hassi Messaoud oil field in Algeria, ushering in a new phase of energy production and global economic prosperity.

In 1964, the merger of CFP and the French company Fina resulted in Total, a watershed in the development of the oil and gas industry.

In 1991, Total made history by becoming the first French company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, offering its shareholders broad investment prospects.

In 1999, French energy giant Total merged with Belgium’s Petrofina to form the modernized TotalFina.

In 2000, TotalFina and the French company Elf Aquitaine joined forces to form the transnational energy titan TotalFinaElf.

In 2003, TotalFinaElf underwent a significant change and was transformed into the revitalized Total SA.

In 2021, Total SA took the landmark step of changing its name to TotalEnergies SE, signaling a shift in operational focus towards a more comprehensive range of energy solutions.