Total’s La Mède biorefinery starts up production

In France, Total has started up production at the La Mède biorefinery in southeastern France, with the first batches of biofuel coming off the line. It is the final step in converting a former oil refinery into a new energies complex. Launched in 2015, the project represents a capital expenditure of €275 million.

The La Mède complex now encompasses:

• • A biorefinery with a capacity of 500,000 tonnes of biofuel per year.
• • An 8-megawatt solar farm that can supply 13,000 people.
• • A unit to produce 50,000 cubic meters per year of AdBlue®, an additive that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions from trucks.
• • A logistics and storage hub with a capacity of 1.3 million cubic meters per year.
• • A training center offering real facilities and able to host 2,500 learners a year.
• • Together, these new activities have maintained 250 direct jobs at La Mède.

As part of the site transformation, 65% of the orders to remodel the complex were awarded to local businesses, representing 800 jobs and €140 million in revenue. Total also invested €5 million in the economic development of the Fos-Etang de Berre region, notably by supporting initiatives to create jobs, attract industrial projects and support contractors. That’s five times as much as a typical revitalization agreement.

The biorefinery can produce 500,000 tonnes of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a premium biofuel. La Mède will produce both biodiesel and biojet fuel for the aviation industry. It was specifically designed to process all types of oil. Its biofuels will be made:

• • 60 to 70% from 100% sustainable vegetable oils (rapeseed, palm, sunflower, etc.).
• • 30 to 40% from treated waste (animal fats, cooking oil, residues, etc.) to promote a circular economy.