Synthetic Fuel Plant in Laudun-l’Ardoise
A 1.1 billion euro synthetic fuel production facility planned for the banks of the Rhône has secured backing from the European Commission, lesechos.fr reported.
The European Commission selected the project for the initiative through its Innovation Fund in the large-scale projects category, according to the Pérols-based company MGH Energy. The selection clears the path for an EU grant, though officials have not disclosed the specific funding amount.
The industrial project will occupy a former ArcelorMittal industrial brownfield site in Laudun-l’Ardoise within the Gard rhodanien agglomeration. Construction aims to launch operations for synthetic fuel manufacturing by 2031.
Production targets and workforce
The facility will manufacture 70,000 tonnes of e-kerosene annually for the aviation sector alongside 40,000 tonnes of e-methanol designated primarily for maritime transport. Production relies on a combination of hydrogen and biogenic CO2.
Once operational, the factory is projected to generate roughly 200 permanent jobs. The development centers on an industrial zone intended to increase domestic low-carbon fuel supplies.
“We need to mobilize financing and commercial commitments right away to help build a sovereign French synthetic fuel sector,” said Jean-Michel Germa, president of MGH Energy and a renewable energy pioneer in France with La Compagnie du Vent, lesechos.fr reported.
Frequently asked questions about the project
What technology will the factory use?
The facility will utilize a hybrid electrolysis process developed with Genvia to produce the necessary hydrogen inputs for its e-fuels.
When will production begin at the site?
Commercial manufacturing of e-kerosene and e-methanol on the former industrial grounds is scheduled to start in 2031.
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