TotalEnergies, originally founded as Compagnie Française des Pétroles in 1924, evolved from a French oil company into a global integrated energy giant through strategic mergers (Petrofina, Elf Aquitaine), diversification into renewables, and rebranding to TotalEnergies in 2021. This timeline traces its corporate milestones from inception to modern standing.
Compagnie Française des Pétroles (CFP) is created at the request of French Prime Minister Raymond Poincaré to secure oil supplies. Initial capital is raised from French banks and private investors.
CFP acquires a 23.75% share in the Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC), securing access to Middle Eastern oil reserves. This marks the company's first major international venture.
CFP opens its first refinery at Gonfreville-l'Orcher in Normandy, France. The facility begins processing crude oil for the domestic market.
CFP introduces the 'Total' brand for its retail gasoline stations, initially in Africa and later in France. The brand becomes synonymous with the company's consumer products.
CFP discovers the Hassi Messaoud oil field in Algeria, one of the largest in Africa. This discovery transforms the company into a major crude producer.
The Total brand is officially launched in mainland France, with the first service station opening in Paris. The company expands its retail network rapidly.
Compagnie Française des Pétroles (CFP) changes its name to Total Compagnie Française des Pétroles, reflecting the prominence of its retail brand.
Total acquires exploration licences in the North Sea, becoming a pioneer in offshore oil and gas production in the region.
The company simplifies its name to 'Total' and lists on the Paris Stock Exchange.
Total participates in the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Algeria (Camel LNG). This marks the company's entry into the gas value chain.
The 1973 oil crisis leads Total to accelerate diversification and secure equity oil from non-OPEC sources.
Total acquires oil sands assets in Alberta, Canada, entering the unconventional oil production space.
Incorrect placeholder. Actually, Total merges with Belgian Petrofina in 1999. Wait, correct event: 1985 Total expands in the Gulf of Mexico.
Total signs a long-term agreement to develop the Abu Dhabi LNG project, strengthening its position in the Middle East.
Total enters the Russian market through a production sharing agreement for the Kharyaga oil field in the Timan-Pechora region.
Total acquires Belgian oil company Petrofina for €11 billion, creating TotalFina. The merger expands Total's refining and marketing network in Europe.
TotalFina merges with French rival Elf Aquitaine to form TotalFinaElf, becoming the world's fourth-largest oil company. The deal is valued at €50 billion.
TotalFinaElf simplifies its name to Total, unifying its brands and corporate identity.
Total enters the solar energy sector via a joint venture with Photovoltech, producing photovoltaic cells.
Total faces pressure from the Russian government over the Sakhalin II LNG project, eventually selling a stake to Gazprom.
Total acquires a 60% stake in U.S. solar panel manufacturer SunPower Corp for $1.4 billion, expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
Total holds a 25% stake in the Macondo well (Deepwater Horizon) but is not the operator. The 2010 spill leads to legal liabilities.
Total operates the Yadana gas field in Myanmar, facing human rights criticism but continuing operations.
Total halts its South Pars gas project in Iran due to international sanctions.
The collapse of oil prices leads Total to cut capital spending and focus on cost reduction. The company maintains its dividend.
Total acquires Maersk Oil for $7.45 billion, gaining assets in the North Sea, Mexico, and Kazakhstan.
Total joins ExxonMobil in the Stabroek block off Guyana, which becomes a major oil discovery.
Total acquires Direct Energie, a French renewable energy provider, for €1.4 billion to expand its electricity portfolio.
Total announces the final investment decision for the Mozambique LNG project, one of the largest LNG projects in Africa.
The COVID-19 pandemic causes a historic drop in oil demand. Total announces lower capex and focuses on renewables.
Total shareholders approve renaming to TotalEnergies to reflect its strategic shift towards multi-energy and net-zero by 2050.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, TotalEnergies announces it will not invest in new projects in Russia, but continues some existing gas contracts.
TotalEnergies acquires Clearway Energy Group, a U.S. renewable energy developer, for $1.6 billion, bolstering its U.S. wind and solar portfolio.
TotalEnergies celebrates its 100th anniversary, highlighting its transformation from a French oil company to a global multi-energy player.