Total's energy diversification continues, not only in the field of solar energy, but also through acquisitions of renewable energy producers such as Biogas.

Total announces the acquisition of Fonroche Biogaz , a company that designs, builds and operates anaerobic digestion units in France.

With almost 500 gigawatt hours (GWh) of installed capacity, which doubled between 2019 and 2020, Fonroche Biogaz is today the French market leader in renewable gas production with a market share of more than 10% thanks to a portfolio of seven units in operation and a pipeline of four upcoming projects.

Drawing on the skills of its 85 employees, Fonroche Biogaz has developed industrial and technological expertise along the entire renewable gas value chain. Its integration marks a significant step in Total's development on the renewable gas market, with prospects for rapid growth in the French market and international diffusion.

“This acquisition is consistent with our climate footprint strategy and plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. We believe that renewable gas has a key role to play in the energy transition as it helps reduce the carbon intensity of the natural gas – and we support mandating renewable gas blending into natural gas networks,” explains Philippe Sauquet, President Gas, Renewables & Power at Total .

"In 2020 we declared our intention to contribute to the development of this sector, which we expect to become more competitive in the coming years. We intend to produce 1.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) of biomethane per year by 2025 and Fonroche Biogas is therefore the cornerstone of our development in this market."

"We are proud to join the Total Group, which has shown strong vision and ambition, launching a massive and sustainable investment program in renewable energy.

Our integrated business model combined with Total's strength and global reach gives us a positive and sustainable outlook for the future. Their excellent track record in the solar sector, both in terms of the duration of their investments and strong growth, confirmed our decision to combine the expertise of the Fonroche Biogaz teams with this French energy major,” said Yann MAUS, President and Founder of Fonroche Group.

With this acquisition, Total becomes one of the main players in renewable gas in France and Europe, and significantly strengthens its presence in the sector, already effective through its subsidiaries Méthanergy (combined production of heat and energy from biogas), PitPoint and Clean Energy (biomethane production and distribution via a network of Bio-CNG / Bio-LNG stations) in Benelux and the United States respectively.

In December 2020, Total signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Clean Energy to establish a $100 million 50/50 joint venture to develop renewable gas production projects in the United States. By 2030, Total expects to produce 4 to 6 TWh of biomethane per year.

Total editorial team