TotalEnergies' Normandy Biogas Plant: A Green Energy Milestone

TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company, has recently commissioned its second-largest biogas production unit in Normandy, France. The BioNorrois facility, located in Fontaine-le-Dun, is set to inject 153 GWh of biomethane into the natural gas transport network annually, equivalent to the average annual gas consumption of more than 30,000 inhabitants. This significant investment aligns with France's ambitious energy transition goals and TotalEnergies' commitment to a multi-energy future.



The BioNorrois project is a result of a strategic partnership between TotalEnergies and Cristal Union, a leading European producer of sugar and alcohol. Cristal Union will provide up to 80% of the organic materials for the facility, utilizing beet pulp residues from its adjacent production site. This collaboration not only enhances the sustainability of the project but also creates long-term economic benefits for both parties.



The partnership with Cristal Union brings several advantages to the BioNorrois project:

1. Secure and local feedstock supply: Cristal Union's beet pulp residues ensure a reliable and local supply chain, reducing transportation costs and enhancing the project's sustainability.
2. Value addition and waste reduction: By utilizing beet pulp residues, Cristal Union can monetize what would otherwise be waste material, creating an additional revenue stream and improving its overall sustainability.
3. Natural fertilizer production: The BioNorrois facility produces 150,000 tons of natural fertilizer annually, which is fully utilized by Cristal Union and NatUp partner farms. This displaces over 5,500 tons of chemical fertilizers, reducing costs and environmental impacts for both parties.
4. Long-term benefits: The partnership fosters a circular economy, where waste from one process becomes a resource for another. This not only enhances the sustainability of both companies but also creates long-term economic benefits through cost savings, revenue generation, and improved resource efficiency.

The BioNorrois project aligns with several key factors driving the growth of the biogas market in France:

1. Government Support and Policies: The French government actively supports the growth of biogas and biomethane through favorable feed-in tariffs and regulatory support. The BioNorrois project benefits from these policies by injecting biomethane into the natural gas transport network.
2. Circular Economy and Waste Valorization: The biogas market in France is driven by the valorization of waste and agricultural, industrial, or municipal by-products. The BioNorrois project exemplifies this trend by utilizing beet pulp residues as its primary feedstock.
3. Decarbonization and CO2 Emission Reduction: The biogas market in France is driven by the need to reduce CO2 emissions and decarbonize the energy mix. The BioNorrois project contributes to this goal by displacing natural gas and reducing CO2 emissions.
4. Partnerships and Collaboration: The biogas market in France is driven by partnerships and collaborations between energy companies and other stakeholders, such as agricultural producers and cooperatives. The BioNorrois project aligns with this trend through its partnership with Cristal Union and the Norman cooperative NatUp.

In conclusion, TotalEnergies' BioNorrois project is a significant milestone in the company's commitment to a multi-energy future and France's energy transition goals. The partnership with Cristal Union enhances the project's sustainability and economic viability, while aligning with key factors driving the growth of the biogas market in France. This project demonstrates TotalEnergies' ability to create value through strategic partnerships and investments in renewable energy.