ENGIE and CMA CGM have signed a framework agreement to develop a biomethane production facility in the industrial-port area of Le Havre, France.
ENGIE will lead the project’s technical development and permitting process. Subject to a final investment decision, the energy group will also oversee the construction and operation of the facility.
From 2029, the plant is expected to supply CMA CGM’s fleet with 7,000 tonnes of biomethane annually, equivalent to approximately 100 GWh. The companies estimate that its use could avoid around 23,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The biomethane will be supplied through the European gas grid under a certified mass-balance system. It can be used by CMA CGM’s LNG-powered vessels without modifications to their engines or existing bunkering infrastructure.
The facility will process livestock waste, household biowaste and agricultural residues. It is also expected to produce 100,000 tonnes of digestate for use as natural fertiliser and recover 13,000 tonnes of biogenic carbon dioxide for commercialisation.
The development builds on the partnership established by ENGIE and CMA CGM in 2021 to support the production and distribution of renewable fuels for shipping.
“With the construction of this new facility, we are pursuing our ambition to expand biomethane production capacity in support of the energy transition,” said Catherine MacGregor, Chief Executive Officer of ENGIE.
“This partnership with CMA CGM demonstrates how industrial and energy players can work together to develop concrete solutions to decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors, while strengthening energy sovereignty and the development of renewable gases,” she added.
ENGIE aims to increase its annual biomethane production capacity in Europe from 1.2 TWh currently to 10 TWh by 2035.
CMA CGM, meanwhile, expects more than 200 dual-fuel vessels capable of using biomethane, biomethanol and e-fuels to have joined its fleet by 2030.
“As we invest together in biomethane production in France’s largest container port, Le Havre, we are pursuing our long-term vision of securing access to renewable fuels while contributing to the energy sovereignty of France and Europe,” said Rodolphe Saadé,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group.
According to the companies, biomethane can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 67% compared with conventional marine fuels.
