TotalEnergies has committed to a drastic reduction in emissions from its refineries by 2030 in the energy sector

TotalEnergies, the French oil giant, is taking bold steps to combat climate change by announcing its commitment to halve emissions from its three refineries and two bio-refineries in France by 2030. This initiative is part of the ecological transition contract signed on November 22.

The group, already ahead in the decarbonization path, aims for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions across Scopes 1 and 2 from its French sites. These emissions stood at around 10 million tons of CO2 in 2018.

Since 2015, the refineries in Gonfreville (Seine-Maritime), Donges (Loire-Atlantique), Feyzin (Rhône), as well as the bio-refineries in La Mède and Grandpuits, have already cut their emissions by an estimated 30%, according to the group’s estimations.

To achieve this ambitious goal, TotalEnergies is banking on several strategies, notably renewable hydrogen supply. Traditionally produced from fossil fuels, hydrogen is crucial in the refining process to remove impurities like sulfur present in crude oïl.

In September, the company signed an agreement with Air Liquide to supply up to 15.000 tons of decarbonized hydrogen after 2026, intended for its largest French refinery in Gonfreville, representing 12% of the national refining capacity. Another partnership with Air Liquide aims to produce hydrogen for the Grandpuits bio-refinery by recycling residual biogas produced by the refinery. A similar project is underway with Engie to supply the La Mède bio-refinery.

A substantial investment of $128 million is earmarked to enhance energy efficiency in the French refineries in 2023 and 2024. This move positions TotalEnergies as a leader in transitioning towards more sustainable energy production and reinforces its commitment to a more environmentally friendly energy future.

Justine Ako.