We are committed to supporting India’s energy transition and growth

In an exclusive interview ahead of India Energy Week 2025, Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, reflects on the company’s 30-year involvement in India as it celebrates 100 years of TotalEnergies, and discusses how the company is committed to supporting India’s energy transition journey by investing in natural gas infrastructure and renewable energy projects, collaborating with companies to implement advanced technologies for methane emissions detection and reduction, and a lot more.

What key messages do you want to highlight at India Energy Week 2025?

As we celebrate 100 years of TotalEnergies, taking part in Indian Energy Week reflects our company’s 30-year involvement in India, where we are active in a wide range of sectors, including natural gas and renewables, LPG for domestic and commercial use, lubricants and special fluids, batteries, and technical and digital solutions. Given the size and potential of the market, India is the right place to implement our energy transition strategy based on two pillars: renewables and natural gas.

Furthermore, India’s goals of achieving 500GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and increasing the share of gas in the energy mix from 6% to 15% align with TotalEnergies’ objectives. In renewables, India is gradually liberalising its power market, allowing us to selectively grow our merchant exposure in line with our value-creating business model. India is also playing an increasing role as a state-of-theart competitive supplier base for us, whether for equipment such as photovoltaic modules, EPC contracts, or digital services.

We are also well positioned to capture growth in the Indian LNG market thanks to our participation in LNG import infrastructure and city gas development. Our strong footprint, supported by a team of 1,000 professionals, underscores our commitment to supporting the country’s energy security, transition and economic growth.

How does TotalEnergies plan to support the energy transition in the Global South, considering the unique challenges these regions face?

TotalEnergies is committed to supporting the energy transition in the Global South through strategic investments in renewable energy projects and infrastructure. We recognise the unique challenges these regions face, such as limited access to low-carbon energy and financial constraints. To address these issues, we partner with local governments and organisations to implement sustainable, affordable, and scalable energy solutions.

Our initiatives include expanding solar and wind energy projects, enhancing energy efficiency, and providing both technical and financial support to ensure a just and equitable transition. By focusing on these areas, we aim to improve energy access, contribute to economic growth, and promote environmental sustainability. Additionally, we are working to provide access to LPG for clean cooking to 100 million people in Africa and India by 2030.

What is TotalEnergies’ perspective on the use of coal versus natural gas in India’s energy transition?

TotalEnergies understands the critical need for India to transition from coal to cleaner energy sources to meet its climate goals. While coal has been a dominant energy source, its high carbon emissions pose significant environmental challenges. Natural gas, however, offers a cleaner alternative with lower CO2 emissions and can serve as a bridge fuel in the transition to renewable energy.

We are committed to supporting India’s shift by investing in natural gas infrastructure and renewable energy projects, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply for the future. Our activities span several assets in the gas value chain, from LNG import facilities to gas distribution to homes.

How does TotalEnergies view the rise of solar and other renewable energies in India, and what role does it play in your strategy?

The rise of renewable energies in India is a pivotal element of our strategy. These projects help reduce carbon emissions and provide affordable, sustainable energy to millions. We have achieved over 6GW of gross installed renewable capacity in India, primarily solar, contributing to our goal of generating more than 100 TWh of electricity in 2030.

At the same time, we are exploring opportunities to invest in hydroelectricity and battery storage solutions to ensure the reliability and stability of renewable energy supply. In addition to renewables, we are collaborating with Indian companies to implement advanced technologies for methane emissions detection and reduction, aiming for near zero methane emissions by 2030.

We signed a Cooperation Agreement with ONGC and Oil India to carry out these campaigns using TotalEnergies’ pioneering AUSEA technology at their sites in India.

A last word?

We look forward to continuing our journey with India, driving innovation and sustainability together. Here’s to a future of shared success and progress!