TotalEnergies has commissioned BioNorrois, its eighth biomethane production site in France, located in Fontaine-le-Dun, Normandy. The new facility will inject 153 GWh of biomethane per year into the GRTgaz natural gas transport network, equivalent to annual gas consumption of over 30,000 individuals. This represents another milestone towards TotalEnergies’ initiatives to increase renewable energy production and play a role in France’s transition towards energy.

Partnership with Cristal Union

BioNorrois is a joint venture between Cristal Union, a French sugar group with a 10% interest in the project, and TotalEnergies. Cristal Union will supply beet pulp, a by-product from its local sugar plant, which will account for 80% of the 185,000 tons of organic material processed every year in the biomethane process. The joint venture reflects increasing use of waste from agri-food companies in developing renewable energy solutions.

Sustainable Fertilizer Production and Environmental Effects

BioNorrois will also have an annual output of 150,000 tons of digestate as a residue from the anaerobic digestion process. Cristal Union and NatUp will turn digestate into sustainable fertilizers, helping farmers shift away from chemical options. The project will reduce chemical fertilizer use by 5,500 tons yearly and cut CO2 emissions by 30,000 tons.

Karine Boissy-Rousseau, VP of Green Gases at TotalEnergies, said, “We are delighted with the commissioning of this new anaerobic digestion unit in Normandy, comparable in size to BioBéarn, our largest production site in France. 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, “With Cristal Union, we are partnering long-term with a robust, internationally recognized partner committed to sustainable growth of its activities. With this new biogas project, TotalEnergies continues to contribute to the promotion of a circular economy with multiple local benefits, the production of renewable energies, and the decarbonization of the French energy mix.”

Also read: TotalEnergies and Air Liquide Partner to Decarbonize Northern European Refineries with Green Hydrogen

Community Collaboration and Local Benefits

The stakeholders created BioNorrois after holding consultations with more than 130 local officials, agri-food industries, and farmers. Additionally, the partnership has seen a project that favors the local economy, enhances renewable energy, and supports France’s decarbonization efforts.

Eco Wave Power Global AB, the top onshore wave energy technology in the industry, has launched infrastructure development on its wave energy project at Porto, Portugal. The project is the first 1MW-scale wave energy project of Eco Wave Power in Portugal, which is expected to be completed in 2026. The project will convert ocean waves into clean electricity, allowing Portugal’s energy transition to renewables.

Central to this project is the upgrading of an existing breakwater tunnel, also known as “The Gallery,” into a modern facility.This facility will house Eco Wave Power’s cutting-edge wave energy conversion technology, which is central to the project’s success.

Apart from that, the complex will also have an underwater wave energy museum and learning center, which will provide visitors with an interactive setting. The plan is also geared towards producing renewable energy and raising awareness about the prospects of wave energy as a source of sustainable power generation.

Key Infrastructure Upgrades in Progress

For preparing “The Gallery” for wave energy technology installation and as an educational center, Eco Wave Power is undertaking several key infrastructure requirements. The project entails clearing the trash, strengthening the building for security purposes, and waterproofing to provide optimal working conditions.

Complementing Portugal’s Renewables Targets

This wave power scheme is a key component of the renewable energy strategy for Portugal, which will generate 85% of electricity from renewable energies by 2030 When it comes into operation, the project will enhance the energy mix of the country and provide a global model for such projects. The success of this project will also spur development in wave energy, realizing its potential for large-scale renewable energy generation.

Also read: BPCL Partners with Eco Wave Power to Develop Wave Energy Projects in India

Commitment towards Sustainability and Innovation

Inna Braverman, Eco Wave Power CEO, said,”This milestone underscores our commitment to delivering a robust and scalable wave energy solution in Portugal. By addressing critical infrastructure requirements and working with top-tier engineering experts, like MOQ, we are looking forward to a smooth installation process and setting the foundation for successful energy generation from ocean waves.”

Eco Wave Power has promoted Juan José Gómez as Power Station Manager for the operation of the day-to-day affairs of the Porto project. Strong in renewable energy, Mr. Gómez will ensure that the project is technically and operationally up to its aims.

The company has also joined forces with MOQ Engineering, a top Portuguese engineering company, to undertake the last design and load calculations for the project. In addition, MOQ’s structural engineering skills and application of tools such as BIM guarantee the project achieves the highest safety and efficiency standards.