The Shareholders’ Newsletter #61 - Fall 2019

Immersion : Start-up of the La Mède biorefinery

IMMERSION

Start-up of the La Mède biorefinery

The La Mède biorefinery, located in the South of France, produced its first liters of biofuel in July this year. Start-up of the plant marks the final step in converting a former oil refinery into a new energies complex. The project represents capital expenditure of 275 million euros and has maintained 250 direct jobs on site.

The La Mède complex encompasses:

  • A biorefinery
  • A solar farm
  • An AdBlue production unit
  • A logistics and storage hub
  • A training center offering real facilities

The biorefinery can produce 500,000 tonnes of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a premium biofuel. It will produce biodiesel. The La Mède biorefinery 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 oils, residues, etc.) to promote a circular economy.

All the oils processed will be certified sustainable according to European Union standards. As part of its palm oil procurement process, Total is taking an extra step by introducing strengthened control of sustainability and respect for Human Rights.

© Imre Nedim - Total

THE ADBLUE PRODUCTION UNIT has a production capacity of 50,000 m3 per year. AdBlue is an additive that helps reduce NOx emissions from trucks.

© Imre Nedim - Total

THE LA MÈDE SOLAR FARM, with a capacity of 8 MW, can supply 13,000 people.

THE OLÉUM SUD TRAINING CENTER offering real facilities, runs training courses to develop and evaluate the competencies of personnel from industries in the sectors of production, field operations, maintenance and safety. It can host 2,500 learners a year.