France’s largest anaerobic digestion unit BioBéarn to convert organic waste into biomethane and fertilizer, reducing CO2 emissions by 32,000 tons per year

France’s largest anaerobic digestion unit BioBéarn to convert organic waste into biomethane and fertilizer, reducing CO2 emissions by 32,000 tons per year

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 12-Jan-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — TotalEnergies (EPA:TTE), a global multi-energy company with over 100,000 employees and presence in more than 130 countries as well as the world’s 3rd-largest low-carbon LNG company, has announced it has recently commissioned BioBéarn, the country’s largest anaerobic digestion unit. The unit, which is located in Mourenx in the south-west of France, has a maximum capacity of 160 gigawatt hours (GWh) and is designed to produce biomethane, a renewable, decarbonized and locally produced gas, by converting organic waste into energy. The unit has begun feeding its first cubic meters of biomethane into the natural gas transmission network operated by Téréga and is expected to produce 69 GWh in 2023, with plans to ramp up production in the future to keep pace with the rapidly growing demand for biogas in the country.

Named BioBéarn and located in Mourenx, this new unit is fed with organic waste, it will convert 220,000 metric tons of organic waste into 200,000 metric tons per year of digestate, a natural fertilizer, and 160 GWh of biomethane. This is equivalent to the average annual consumption of 32,000 people. The project, which illustrates TotalEnergies’ commitment to promoting the circular economy, will enable the Lacq basin, a historical gas area, to pursue a local and sustainable growth. It will also avoid the emission of 32 000 tons of CO2 per year, making a significant contribution towards the country’s efforts to combat climate change.

The development of BioBéarn began in 2016 and involved all local stakeholders, including over 200 from farming and the food industry, the local community and elected officials. This approach allowed the project to adapt to the needs and potential of the territory, ensuring that it was well-received and supported by the local community. The project is also expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.

In conclusion, the commissioning of BioBéarn is a major milestone for TotalEnergies, and for France as a whole. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable energy production and the circular economy, while also making a significant contribution to the country’s efforts to combat climate change. The unit’s large capacity and ability to adapt to local needs make it a model for similar projects in the future.

“TotalEnergies is proud to commission France’s largest biogas unit and would like to thank all project stakeholders for their support. This new plant is part of TotalEnergies’ commitment to promote biogas, a clean gas that strengthens the country’s energy sovereignty and the development of the circular economy. This project allows TotalEnergies to increase its production capacity to 700 GWh in biogas and is a new step in the objective to reach 20 TWh by 2030,” declared Olivier Guerrini, Vice President, Biogas Business Unit, TotalEnergies. 

1 Including seven anaerobic digestion sites producing biomethane for injection into the gas network and eleven biogas production units supplying electricity and heat via Combined Heat & Power process.

BioBéarn key figures

  • 160 GWh biomethane production capacity, equivalent to the average annual needs of 32,000 people, and covering all uses of natural gas
  • Over 220,000 tons/year of organic waste: residues from local farming activities and agri-food industry.
  • Almost 200,000 tons/year of digestate, a natural, hygienized fertilizer, that will be sprayed on farmland within 50 km of the unit, saving almost 5,000 tons of chemical fertilizer

TotalEnergies and Biogas 

TotalEnergies is the segment leader in France, with now close to 700 GWh of biogas production capacity and aims to become a major player internationally by partnering with market leaders such as Clean Energy in the United States and Adani in India. The Company is active across the entire value chain, from project development to marketing of this renewable gas and its by-products (biofertilizers, bioCO2). It aims to produce at least 20 TWh per year by 2030 – equivalent to the annual consumption of four million French consumers and a reduction in CO2 emissions of four million tons.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

TotalEnergies Contacts

Cautionary Note
The terms “TotalEnergies”, “TotalEnergies company” or “Company” in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. TotalEnergies SE has no liability for the acts or omissions of these entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies’ financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

SOURCE: TotalEnergies

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