popular articles

Investigation into TotalEnergies’ move to Polytechnique shelved

TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné's investigation into illegal interest-taking has been dismissed by the French National Financial Prosecutor's Office (Parquet National Financier) for lack of sufficient evidence to proceed.

Please share:

The French National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (Parquet National Financier – PNF) has announced that the preliminary investigation opened against Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, has been dropped.
The latter was accused by Greenpeace, Anticor and the association La Sphinx of having abused his position as a member of the board of directors of the École Polytechnique to promote the establishment of a research center dedicated to the decarbonization of energies.
The PNF justifies its decision on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to establish the offences of illegal taking of interest, favoritism, complicity and concealment of these offences.

Background and reactions

From the moment it was announced, the project for a 10,000 m² research center, which was to accommodate around 400 people, aroused contrasting reactions within Polytechnique.
Some students and professors voiced their opposition, denouncing the growing influence of the private sector on the public institution.
In March 2020, a demonstration was organized to protest against the establishment of the center on campus, perceived as interference by the private sector in the institution’s affairs.
In June 2020, the École Polytechnique decided to move the project away from the heart of the campus to the innovation business park managed by the Établissement public d’aménagement (EPA) Paris-Saclay.
However, in January 2022, TotalEnergies definitively abandoned the project.

Analysis of Pouyanné’s speech

The PNF points out that Patrick Pouyanné ‘s contribution to the Polytechnique Board of Directors meeting in April 2020 was limited to providing information on the project.
The CEO of TotalEnergies is speaking as an executive of the company and not as a director of the school, which, according to the PNF, does not constitute an illegal taking of interest.
What’s more, the investigations revealed that he withdrew immediately after his intervention, taking no part in the subsequent stages of the decision-making process.

Consequences for the parties involved

The complainant associations, disappointed by the closure of the investigation, believe that the PNF’s decision weakens the fight against conflicts of interest in public institutions.
They plan to file a civil suit to obtain the appointment of an independent investigating judge.
This case has rekindled the debate on the influence of the private sector in public institutions, particularly in the field of research and higher education.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

In Baku, wealthy nations pledge $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist vulnerable nations facing climate challenges. A promise deemed insufficient amid diplomatic tensions and an urgent climate crisis.
Turkey plans IPOs for TEİAŞ, EÜAŞ, BOTAŞ, and TPAO. This initiative aims to attract strategic investments and improve the country's key energy infrastructures.
Turkey plans IPOs for TEİAŞ, EÜAŞ, BOTAŞ, and TPAO. This initiative aims to attract strategic investments and improve the country's key energy infrastructures.
France, the European leader in metallic waste exports, struggles to exploit its recycling potential, particularly for copper, a key element in the energy transition, according to a report by Oliver Wyman.
France, the European leader in metallic waste exports, struggles to exploit its recycling potential, particularly for copper, a key element in the energy transition, according to a report by Oliver Wyman.
Amid international tensions and limited progress in Baku, France stresses the importance of reaffirming the goal of phasing out fossil fuels, highlighting crucial financial and climate stakes for the future.
Amid international tensions and limited progress in Baku, France stresses the importance of reaffirming the goal of phasing out fossil fuels, highlighting crucial financial and climate stakes for the future.
The CRE proposes extending the regulated electricity tariffs (TRVE) to protect households against price volatility and provide essential stability in an evolving market.
Donald Trump's selection of Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy could signal a shift in U.S. energy policy, with the resumption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits and reduced investments in renewable energy.
Donald Trump's selection of Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy could signal a shift in U.S. energy policy, with the resumption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits and reduced investments in renewable energy.
As the UK’s oil and gas decommissioning expenses reach record levels, the industry struggles to meet its obligations, raising concerns about the viability of the energy transition.
As the UK’s oil and gas decommissioning expenses reach record levels, the industry struggles to meet its obligations, raising concerns about the viability of the energy transition.
Cornwall Insight anticipates a rise in the energy price cap to £1,736 in January 2025. This persistence of high prices reflects an unstable market and exacerbates energy poverty in the United Kingdom.
Cornwall Insight anticipates a rise in the energy price cap to £1,736 in January 2025. This persistence of high prices reflects an unstable market and exacerbates energy poverty in the United Kingdom.
Net electricity production in OECD countries increased by 1.1% in August, reaching 981.9 TWh. Solar saw a spectacular 27% growth, while fossil fuels declined in the overall energy mix.
Electricity Prices in Japan Surge by Nearly 20% Due to a Cold Spell
Electricity Prices in Japan Surge by Nearly 20% Due to a Cold Spell
From the Amazon, Joe Biden affirmed that the transition to clean energy is a major achievement for the United States, addressing an indirect message to Donald Trump, the next occupant of the White House.
From the Amazon, Joe Biden affirmed that the transition to clean energy is a major achievement for the United States, addressing an indirect message to Donald Trump, the next occupant of the White House.
A massive attack with drones and missiles targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing two deaths and major power outages. Kyiv denounces the intensification of strikes as winter approaches.
A massive attack with drones and missiles targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing two deaths and major power outages. Kyiv denounces the intensification of strikes as winter approaches.
Chris Wright, a climate skeptic and CEO specializing in hydraulic fracturing, is named Secretary of Energy. He joins Doug Burgum on the National Energy Council to drive the United States' energy dominance strategy.
During COP29 in Baku, Al Gore criticized the organization of climate conferences in petro-states and called for a reform of the selection process for host countries and participants, accusing these nations of conflicts of interest.
During COP29 in Baku, Al Gore criticized the organization of climate conferences in petro-states and called for a reform of the selection process for host countries and participants, accusing these nations of conflicts of interest.
To meet its climate targets, French industry will need to double its electricity consumption by 2050, reaching 207 TWh. This energy transition, essential for decarbonization, poses significant technological and economic challenges.
To meet its climate targets, French industry will need to double its electricity consumption by 2050, reaching 207 TWh. This energy transition, essential for decarbonization, poses significant technological and economic challenges.
The 2025 budget, debated in Parliament, foresees a 2 billion euro increase for Energy Transition. Agnès Pannier-Runacher applauds additional amendments for industrial decarbonization and other key measures.
The 2025 budget, debated in Parliament, foresees a 2 billion euro increase for Energy Transition. Agnès Pannier-Runacher applauds additional amendments for industrial decarbonization and other key measures.
In 2024, France reaches an unprecedented level of electricity exports in 22 years, supported by increased nuclear and hydropower production and moderated domestic demand. A strategic success in the European energy market.
The Chinese vice premier announced revised commitments aimed at achieving carbon neutrality before 2060, while pledging increased financial contributions to support developing countries in addressing climate challenges.
The Chinese vice premier announced revised commitments aimed at achieving carbon neutrality before 2060, while pledging increased financial contributions to support developing countries in addressing climate challenges.
At COP29, Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva responded to the Azerbaijani president's remarks, advocating for the measured use of natural resources, especially oil, while affirming Brazil’s climate commitments.
At COP29, Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva responded to the Azerbaijani president's remarks, advocating for the measured use of natural resources, especially oil, while affirming Brazil’s climate commitments.
Low Risk for France’s Electricity Supply This Winter, Says RTE
Low Risk for France’s Electricity Supply This Winter, Says RTE
The French government proposes a "rendezvous clause" to adjust the electricity tax increase, ensuring a 9% decrease in regulated electricity bills for the majority of households by February 2025.
Thai authorities have dismantled nine illegal Bitcoin mining farms accused of stealing over €270,000 worth of electricity. Two suspects have been arrested for large-scale energy fraud.
Thai authorities have dismantled nine illegal Bitcoin mining farms accused of stealing over €270,000 worth of electricity. Two suspects have been arrested for large-scale energy fraud.
On the eve of a possible Trump presidency, the United States seeks to reassure its partners on its climate commitment at COP29, amidst North-South tensions and a debate on financial aid for developing countries.
On the eve of a possible Trump presidency, the United States seeks to reassure its partners on its climate commitment at COP29, amidst North-South tensions and a debate on financial aid for developing countries.
Two environmental NGOs are challenging in Scottish court the authorization to drill in the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields in the North Sea, denouncing their impact on the UK's climate objectives.
Two environmental NGOs are challenging in Scottish court the authorization to drill in the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields in the North Sea, denouncing their impact on the UK's climate objectives.

Advertising