TotalEnergies, among the world's biggest energy companies, announced last year that it would invest some $10.5 billion in Suriname -- South America's smallest country -- which is seeking to exploit its oil and gas reserves.

"This is not a good thing," said Environment Minister Mathieu Lefevre.

"My views are in line with the French position, which favours exiting fossil fuels," he told the franceinfo broadcaster.

"We will never manage the climate transition without companies," the minister said.

The cost of the energy transition in France was estimated at 115 billion euros ($134 billion), with state funding covering only 15 billion. "The rest is private-sector financing," he said.

Asked about the inclusion of TotalEnergies chairman Patrick Pouyanne in the French delegation at the COP30 international climate conference in Brazil, Lefevre said he did "not wish to put blame on French company leaders who employ many people in our country".

Suriname is planning to bring a new oil field onstream in 2028, targeting a production of 220,000 barrels per day, compared to under 6,000 currently.

TotalEnergies has said that Suriname's GranMorgu deep offshore oil project had been designed to minimise its greenhouse gas emissions.

TotalEnergies, which employs more than 100,000 people in around 120 countries, produces and markets oil, biofuels, natural gas, renewables and electricity.

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TotalEnergies