TotalEnergies said it is preparing to launch biofuel production in France using used cooking oil, following a 15-year agreement with Quatra, Europe’s top used cooking oil collector and recycler.
The deal will see Quatra supply 60,000 tonnes of used oil each year.
The deal, set to begin in 2026, will see Quatra supply used cooking oil to TotalEnergies’ biorefineries for biofuel production.
“This deal contributes to securing the feedstock to produce biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel,” TotalEnergies said in a statement.
Biofuels, produced from organic matter such as plants, algae, and agricultural or forestry waste, provide a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Common types include ethanol and biodiesel.
As part of the agreement, Quatra will collect used cooking oil directly from restaurants, restaurant chains, and industrial sources across France and other parts of Europe for delivery to TotalEnergies’ biorefineries.
The collected oil will first be delivered to Quatra facilities for filtering, before being transported to TotalEnergies’ biorefineries for the production of road biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel.
TotalEnergies announced that it has converted its refineries at La Mède in southern France and Grandpuits near Paris into biorefineries.
The biorefinery at La Mède, launched in 2019, has an annual production capacity of 500,000 tonnes of biofuel.
The statement read in part, “Through this site, TotalEnergies is the only producer of HVO biodiesel in France. This year, La Mède will also produce sustainable aviation fuel for airports in southern France.
“Grandpuits’ conversion into a zero-crude complex includes a biorefinery with an annual production capacity of 230,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel. Commissioning is planned for 2026. TotalEnergies has partnered with SARIA, the European leader in the collection and reuse of organic waste in the form of sustainable products, which will supply most of the site’s feedstock.”
The Senior Vice President of Renewable Fuels & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, Valérie Goff expressed delight at the development.
“I am delighted with this strategic agreement with Quatra that contributes to our aim to secure the feedstock we need to produce biofuels in our biorefineries. The development of biofuels is one of our company’s strategic goals. “By directly reducing the carbon intensity of the energy products used by our customers, we are actively working with them as part of our net zero approach, together with society,” Goff said.
A Co-Chief Executive Officer at Quatra, Pol Van Pollaert, stated, “At Quatra, we believe in long-term partnerships with leading industrial groups that combine logistics, environmental responsibility and financial viability. The deal between Quatra France and TotalEnergies is an excellent example of that.”
