Despite the ruling, TotalEnergies continues to face criticism for claiming to be climate-friendly while expanding fossil fuel exploration and production.

TotalEnergies has set a target to expand renewable capacity to 100GW by 2030 but continues significant investments in fossil gas, raising questions about the consistency of its sustainability commitments.

Since 2020, TotalEnergies has invested around four billion euros in renewable energy and nuclear power, mainly in France, but critics argue this does not offset its fossil fuel activities.

Failure to adhere to the court's decision could result in daily fines, underscoring the seriousness of the ruling.

The company defends its messaging as genuine, stating it is institutional communication aimed at investors and not targeted advertising, emphasizing its investments in low-carbon energy.

Industry observers note that TotalEnergies is shifting towards electric energy and rebranding efforts, but remains heavily invested in fossil gas, which critics say contradicts its sustainability claims.

TotalEnergies acknowledged the judgment, clarifying that it pertains only to general statements on its website and not to specific advertising campaigns, and has not yet announced plans to appeal.

TotalEnergies argues that its communications are regulated by financial authorities and that its strategy involves a gradual transition away from fossil fuels, targeting investors rather than consumers.

The court dismissed complaints about specific fossil fuel and biofuel claims, focusing instead on the company's broader environmental assertions.

International agencies like the IEA and ADEME advise against new fossil fuel projects and stress that carbon neutrality claims are only meaningful on a national or global scale, not for individual companies.

A Paris court has convicted TotalEnergies for misleading advertising related to its 'carbon neutrality' claims by 2050, setting a significant legal precedent against greenwashing in the energy sector.

The company has not publicly responded to the verdict or indicated whether it will appeal, and faces daily fines of up to 20,000 euros if it fails to comply.

The court's ruling highlights the discrepancy between TotalEnergies' public commitments to reduce emissions and its ongoing investments in traditional hydrocarbons.