TotalEnergies is stepping up its commitment to decarbonize its European refineries with a new partnership aimed at renewable hydrogen production at its La Mède platform in southeast France. This project, developed in collaboration with Air Liquide, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious plan to reduce its carbon emissions and contribute to the global shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
Aligned with TotalEnergies’ 2030 goal of decarbonizing hydrogen production at its European refineries, the La Mède renewable hydrogen initiative is a key component in reducing the platform’s CO2 emissions. Once operational, this project will cut annual CO2 emissions by 130,000 tons. The move complements TotalEnergies’ ongoing work with ENGIE on the Masshylia project, which focuses on producing green hydrogen via electrolysis.
Renewable Hydrogen for Biofuels Production
Air Liquide will be responsible for building and operating the renewable hydrogen production unit at the La Mède site. The new unit, with an annual capacity of 25,000 tons of renewable hydrogen, will harness coproducts from TotalEnergies’ biorefinery operations. This hydrogen will be integral to producing biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the biorefinery, further advancing TotalEnergies’ clean energy transition and contributing to the decarbonization of the biofuels sector.
The total investment in the project is €150 million, split between TotalEnergies and Air Liquide. Production is expected to begin in 2028, marking a crucial step in La Mède’s transformation into a low-carbon hydrogen production hub.
Vincent Stoquart, President of Refining & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, emphasized the significance of this new partnership, stating, “This new renewable hydrogen production project, carried out with Air Liquide, allows us to accelerate the decarbonization of our La Mède platform. Almost ten years after the announcement of its conversion, La Mède is continuing its transformation and is becoming a low-carbon hydrogen production center, thus contributing to the decarbonization ambition of the Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur region.”
Ongoing Development of Masshylia Green Hydrogen Project
In parallel, TotalEnergies is advancing its Masshylia green hydrogen project, a collaboration with ENGIE to produce hydrogen via water electrolysis. With a capacity of 10,000 tons per year, this green hydrogen will support the decarbonization efforts not only at La Mède but also at the Fos-Berre industrial-port zone, benefiting local industries. The first 20 MW electrolyser is expected to begin operations in 2029, pending the confirmation of European and French subsidies, as well as the required public authorizations.
A Strategic Focus on Decarbonization
This new renewable hydrogen initiative is part of TotalEnergies’ broader strategy to decarbonize its European refineries, contributing to a reduction of CO2 emissions by approximately three million tons per year by 2030. The use of low-carbon hydrogen in refining operations is expected to be a critical element in helping TotalEnergies meet its climate goals while ensuring the continued production of essential fuels like biodiesel and SAF.
TotalEnergies: A Global Leader in Energy Transition
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company with a commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Operating in over 120 countries and employing more than 100,000 people, TotalEnergies is at the forefront of the energy transition, with a strategic focus on reducing its carbon footprint across its operations. The company continues to innovate and invest in clean energy technologies to create a more sustainable future for its customers and communities worldwide.
About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets a diverse range of energies, including oil, biofuels, natural gas, green gases, renewables, and electricity. The company’s commitment to sustainability is embedded in its strategy, projects, and operations. Through innovative energy solutions, TotalEnergies is helping shape a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for generations to come.
Source TotalEnergies