TotalEnergies Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production at Grandpuits Biorefinery
TotalEnergies is significantly increasing its production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the biorefinery located in Grandpuits, France, in anticipation of the upcoming Paris Air Show. The company is doubling the annual capacity of SAF production at the site, reaching an impressive 285,000 tonnes/year, surpassing the initial capacity announced in 2020.
To develop SAF production at the Grandpuits biorefinery, TotalEnergies entered into a partnership with SARIA, a specialist in organic feedstock, last year. This collaboration has paved the way for these enhanced production capabilities.
Starting from 2025, all jet fuel supplied at European Union (EU) airports will be mandated to contain a minimum SAF blend of 2%, in accordance with EU regulations. This requirement will progressively increase to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and 34% by 2040, ultimately aiming to achieve 70% by 2050.
Bernard Pinatel, President of Refining & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, highlighted the significance of the Grandpuits site in sustainable aviation fuel production. He emphasized that sustainable aviation fuel is the most effective solution for immediately reducing CO2 emissions from air transport. Pinatel described these new projects as instrumental in further promoting sustainability, decarbonization, and the circular economy at the site.
In addition to ramping up SAF production, TotalEnergies is investing in a biomethane production unit at the Grandpuits biorefinery, boasting an annual capacity of 80 GWh/year. The primary feedstock for this unit will be organic waste derived from the biorefinery itself. By utilizing various low-carbon technologies, the biomethane unit will contribute to TotalEnergies' objective of transforming Grandpuits into a zero-crude platform. This investment also positions the French oil and gas giant as a leading biogas producer in France.
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are biofuels specifically designed for aviation, derived from waste and residues sourced from circular economy-based feedstocks such as animal fats and used cooking oils. Their purpose is to reduce CO2 emissions in air transport. Another form of SAF is synthetic fuels, also known as e-fuels.