French oil and gas major, TotalEnergies has partnered with Veolia for accelerating the development of microalgae cultivation using CO2. Under the terms of the agreement, both the partners will use their expertise for building a research project at the La Mède biorefinery, functioned by TotalEnergies, with the primary objective of producing biofuels.

Generally, microalgae grow using photosynthesis by absorbing sunlight and CO2 from the atmosphere or using industrial processes. Upon reaching maturity, they can be converted into low-carbon, next-generation biofuels.

Considering this, the two partners will form a test platform to examine different novel technologies for growing microalgae and will assess the most efficient ones. Veolia will use its expertise in the water sector to enhance the management of microalgae's aquatic habitat and the development of algal biomass as a CO2 capture solution.

Meanwhile, TotalEnergies, in synergy with the business lines at the La Mède site, will apply its knowledge in biomass cultivation and refining to develop advanced biofuels, as well as CO2 collection and utilization technologies.

Marie-Noëlle Semeria, CTO (Chief Technology Officer) at TotalEnergies, mentioned that they are delighted to collaborate with Veolia at the La Mède site to speed the evaluation of CO2-based microalgae growing systems for the production of next-generation biofuels. Biofuels will help TotalEnergies' clients to lower their carbon footprint and will contribute to firm’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Philippe Seberac, Technical and Scientific Director at Veolia said that TotalEnergies and Veolia have formed unique cooperation that allows them to expedite the production cycle of viable alternative energy needed to protect the planet.

This collaboration is an excellent example of the ecological innovation capabilities that Veolia aims to offer its clients due to climate change. Their firm can apply its technical knowledge in enhancing and securing biological treatments in a broader global environment through this initiative, which will positively impact ecological transition.  

Source Credit - https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210705005322/en/TotalEnergies-and-Veolia-Join-Forces-to-Develop-CO2-based-Microalgae-Cultivation-to-Produce-Next-generation-Biofuels