Oil and gas conglomerate TotalEnergies has announced its partnership with French energy services Veolia, in a collaboration that will work to develop biofuel solutions using microalgae.
The project will take place over the next four years, with a test platform to be set up at the La Mède biorefinery investigating the most effective means of growing microalgae. As the plant absorbs CO2 while it grows, it could prove a low-carbon fuel alternative.
In a press release, TotalEnergies chief technology officer Marie-Noëlle Semeria said: “We are pleased to join forces with Veolia at our La Mède site to accelerate the assessment of microalgae cultivation systems using CO2, in the aim of producing next-generation biofuels. Biofuels will enable TotalEnergies’ clients to reduce their carbon footprint, and thus contribute to the ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 together with the society.”
In the collaboration, TotalEnergies will bring its knowledge of biofuel production to the table, including its expertise in carbon capture, while Veolia brings its history in water management – which will be useful in developing the water-based microalgae.
“This unique partnership enables TotalEnergies and Veolia to accelerate the production cycle of a promising alternative energy that is necessary to protect the planet. With this project, Veolia can contribute its technical expertise in optimizing and securing biological treatments to a more global context that will have a positive impact on the ecological transformation. This partnership is an excellent example of the ecological innovation capacities that Veolia wants to offer its customers in response to climate change,” said Philippe Seberac, technical and scientific director at Veolia.
This is not the first time microalgae has been highlighted as a potential source of biofuel – highlighted for its ability to produce up to 300 times more oil than terrestrial plants, and the carbon neutral status of the process – as any CO2 generated is almost entirely neutralised by carbon consumption during its growth.
