TotalEnergies Launches Its Second-Largest Biogas Plant in Normandy

TotalEnergies has inaugurated BioNorrois, its second-largest biomethane production facility in France, situated in Fontaine-le-Dun, Normandy. This plant is set to inject 153 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of biomethane annually into the natural gas network, equating to the average yearly gas consumption of over 30,000 residents.

In collaboration with Cristal Union, a prominent European sugar producer and 10% stakeholder in the project, the plant will utilize up to 80% of its 185,000 tons of organic feedstock from beet pulp and residues sourced from Cristal Union's nearby facility.

Annually, BioNorrois will produce 150,000 tons of digestate, a natural fertilizer. This byproduct will be distributed among partner farms through a partnership with the Norman agricultural cooperative NatUp, aiding the transition to sustainable, locally produced fertilizers. This initiative is expected to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers by over 5,500 tons each year and decrease CO₂ emissions by 30,000 tons annually.

The establishment of BioNorrois involved extensive consultations with local stakeholders, including more than 130 farmers, agri-food industries, local administrations, and officials, ensuring the project aligns with regional needs.

With BioNorrois now operational, TotalEnergies has bolstered its position in France's renewable gas market, increasing its total biomethane production capacity to over 800 GWh. The company aims to expand its biogas portfolio across Europe and the United States, targeting a gross capacity of 10 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year by 2030. This capacity would supply renewable energy to approximately 1.6 million people and prevent 1.6 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

Karine Boissy-Rousseau, VP of Green Gases at TotalEnergies, stated, "With this new plant, which brings our biogas production capacity in the country to more than 800 GWh, TotalEnergies confirms its position as a major player in the market." She added that the project contributes to promoting a circular economy, producing renewable energies, and decarbonizing France's energy mix.

Xavier Astolfi, General Manager of Cristal Union, highlighted the strategic value of the partnership, noting that it allows the company to valorize production residues like beet pulp and industrial effluents to produce energy through anaerobic digestion or combustion. He emphasized that the project enables the provision of digestate to partner farmers for field application, exemplifying a true circular economy initiative.

By integrating agricultural waste into renewable gas production, TotalEnergies and Cristal Union aim to enhance France's energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create a sustainable model for future biomethane development. 

The detailed article published by totalenergies.com can be accessed from https://totalenergies.com/news/press-releases/biogas-france-totalenergies-starts-its-2nd-largest-unit-normandy?utm