TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company, and Mistral AI, France's leading artificial intelligence startup, have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing energy operations through advanced AI applications.
The collaboration, announced on Thursday, June 12, will establish a joint innovation lab staffed by teams from both companies. Mistral AI will contribute its AI technologies while TotalEnergies will provide its expertise in energy production, particularly in renewable and low-carbon solutions. The partnership comes just days after Mistral launched Europe's first AI reasoning model, positioning the French startup as a serious contender in the global AI race dominated by American and Chinese players.
"AI has huge potential to transform energy systems, and this partnership was motivated by our pioneering spirit and ongoing search for innovation," said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. The deal reflects the company's intention to contribute to the emergence of a technological ecosystem in Europe while exploring new opportunities to integrate AI into its activities.
The innovation lab will initially focus on three primary applications: creating an AI assistant for TotalEnergies' 1,000 researchers to support new energy development, developing decision-support solutions to enhance industrial asset performance and reduce CO₂ emissions, and implementing tools to improve customer experience and energy conservation. The companies will also explore opportunities for TotalEnergies to adopt AI infrastructure, addressing digital sovereignty concerns in Europe.
TotalEnergies' Digital Factory, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, already employs 300 developers, data scientists, and other digital experts. The facility has developed over 100 solutions, with 60 utilizing technologies ranging from machine learning to generative AI. This new partnership with Mistral AI represents a significant expansion of these capabilities.
For Mistral AI, valued at $6.2 billion and backed by Microsoft, the partnership demonstrates the positive impact generative AI can have on strategic sectors. "By dedicating our AI solutions and experts to the R&D effort, the operational teams, and ultimately the company's customers, we are contributing to improved operations and the digital transition of this global energy giant," said Arthur Mensch, CEO at Mistral AI.