A leading initiative by Arkema.
Arkema has signed a groundbreaking long-term agreement with ENGIE to source 300 GWh/year of renewable biomethane in France, marking one of the largest private biomethane deals in Europe. This innovative project is setting new standards in sustainability and responsible sourcing.
Significant steps towards decarbonisation and responsible energy consumption
Biomethane is a renewable alternative to natural gas, produced through the fermentation of organic matter. Importantly, the feedstock for biomethane in France primarily consists of agricultural residues and organic waste, with no competition with food sources. This ensures that the production process does not contribute to illegal deforestation, a major environmental concern.
Arkema is at the forefront of offering advanced materials produced using renewable energy and renewable raw materials, specifically castor seeds. Castor seeds are advantageous as they have no competition with food sources and can be grown in marginal soils of low agricultural value.
The supply agreement with ENGIE is a game-changer for Arkema, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of its bio-based high-performance Rilsan® polyamide 11 and Pebax® Rnew® elastomers. It allows Arkema to replace fossil natural gas with renewable biomethane in its production processes without the need for major modifications, resulting in an impressive annual reduction of 55,000 tonnes of carbon equivalent in the production of bio-sourced polyamide.
Setting new standards
This collaboration sets a new standard for the French biomethane industry, with a 10-year commitment to supply 300 GWh of biomethane annually, accounting for approximately 5% of all biomethane available in France. It is a historic contract in terms of duration and volume, emphasising the dedication of both Arkema and ENGIE to the responsible production of green energy.
The environmental benefits of biomethane are clear, emitting only 44g CO2/kWh compared to 227g CO2/kWh for natural gas. Arkema’s commitment to renewable biomethane aligns with its mission to reduce its environmental impact, drive sustainability, and support responsible sourcing practices. This initiative sets an example for sustainable energy use in the industry and highlights the potential for positive change in reducing carbon emissions.