The French natural gas giant, Engie Group, formerly known as GDF Suez, is one of the largest energy companies in the world and the third-largest public utility company in the world. Founded in 1822 as the Compagnie Générale des Eaux, Engie has grown substantially in the acompanying two centuries, expanding its operations to encompass the entire energy sector and beyond.
Engie is dedicated to the exploration and production of natural gas, oil and electricity. They produce, market and customise a vast range of energy services, such as the installation of solar panels, end-user services, natural gas retailer and meter readers, industrial production and the implementation of energy efficiency solutions. They are also heavily involved in energy initiatives in the global community, with projects such as urban energy efficiency improvement and micro grid implementation. Engie also seeks to diversify their business and create new growth opportunities such as the development of hydrogen energy and research in renewable energies.
Engie has over 11,000 distribution points around the world and employs over 140,000 people. In their pipelines and storage facilities, Engie transports about 45% of natural gas in Europe. Their international presence spans 34 countries. They are active in the 22 countries where the European Union operates, however, the company has grown from their French origins and now serves close to 30 million customers worldwide.
In recent years, Engie has adapted to the changing energy market by diversifying its sources of energy. Currently, 42.4% of their overall electricity production comes from hydroelectric, 39.2% from nuclear and 3.2% from natural gas. They are actively investigating seismic activities to develop shale gas reserves in the U.S. and Africa.
The groups commitment to sustainability is evident in their dedication to improve the planets energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of the company. Engie is working to reduce the usage of coal-fired power plants and switch to more renewable energy sources. They are also involved in energy access projects, providing measures to distribute energy to households in developing countries with poor energy coverage.
In 2017, Engie announced its commitment to stay carbon neutral and for the total of its activities to be carbon neutral by 2050. It has also set an interim goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. Engie is paving the way for a sustainable future.
The Engie Group, though based in France, is an international effort. It represents an important player in the market for natural gas and other renewable energy sources, and it is a leader in the global electricity business. With their commitment to reducing emissions and providing energy solutions to a world in need, Engie continues to make a significant contribution to the environment.
