Key learnings from the discussion between Frédéric Gimenez, CDO at TotalEnergies, and Alexandre Thion de la Chaume, Managing Partner at Artefact, at the Adopt AI Summit by Artefact - June 5, 2024

About Frédéric Gimenez:. At TotalEnergies, Frédéric leads various digital initiatives, focusing on enhancing operational efficiencies and supporting the company’s transition to sustainable energy solutions. His strategic vision and innovative approach have been instrumental in driving technological advancements and fostering impactful digital strategies within the organization.

About TotalEnergies: TotalEnergies, founded 100 years ago, is a global multi-energy company that produces and supplies a variety of energies, including oil, biofuels, natural gas, green gases, renewables, and electricity.

Digital transformation and multi-energy strategy

TotalEnergies is undergoing a significant transformation from an oil and gas company to a multi-energy company, emphasizing renewable energy. This strategic shift is supported by advanced technologies and digital solutions, particularly AI, which plays a crucial role in the company’s Digital Factory initiative launched in 2020.

AI implementation and use cases

There are three primary areas where AI is transforming Total Energies:

  • Generative AI: Tools like ChatGPT and Office 365 Co-Pilot are made accessible to all employees, enhancing productivity, simplifying tasks, and fostering creativity. GitHub Copilot is also used to improve developpers’ efficiency and code quality.

  • Safety Enhancements: AI-powered computer vision systems monitor safety during operations, such as installing solar panels, to prevent accidents. Additionally, generative AI assists in risk management by analyzing extensive documentation to ensure accurate safety measures.

  • Environmental Impact: AI solutions monitor and manage energy consumption and CO2 emissions at unit levels across installations, identifying abnormal behaviors and suggesting corrective actions to reduce emissions.

Scaling AI in a global and complex organization

TotalEnergies operates in 120 countries, presenting challenges in AI adoption. The company leverages cloud technology for seamless deployment and access to innovations. AI solutions are designed for industrial robustness, ensuring reliable performance even in remote locations. Examples include monitoring critical equipment in diverse environments and managing alarms for solar and wind plants from centralized command centers.

Continuous learning and data management

Data quality and accessibility are fundamental to TotalEnergies’ AI initiatives. The company fosters a culture of citizen data scientists, enabling more employees to leverage data effectively. Real-world testing and feedback loops are critical for improving AI model accuracy. A notable example is the deployment of an AI system for battery quality prediction, which improved significantly over time through iterative enhancements.

Future priorities and talent development

Moving forward, TotalEnergies aims to enhance the technological sophistication of its AI solutions, focusing on high-value use cases. The company has a Vision 2030 exercise to identify disruptive and transformative AI applications. Building and maintaining a skilled AI talent pool is crucial, and the company continues to attract top talent due to the compelling nature of its projects. TotalEnergies aspires to continue its legacy of technological pioneering, leveraging AI for sustained innovation and transformation in the energy sector.

“AI plays a crucial role in Total Energies’ digitalization strategy, enhancing efficiency and supporting the company’s transition to more sustainable energy solutions.”
Frédéric Gimenez, CDO at TotalEnergies