Total company has announced the acquisition of Fonroche Biogaz, the French leader of renewable gas production, according to press release.

Philippe Sauquet, President Gas, Renewables and Power at Total, commented: “This acquisition is consistent with our strategy and our climate ambition to get to Net Zero by 2050. We believe that renewable gas has a key role to play in the energy transition as it contributes to reducing the carbon intensity of natural gas – and we support the imposition of renewable gas incorporation in natural gas networks,”

“In 2020, we stated our intention to contribute to the development of this sector, which we expect to become more competitive in the next few years. We intend to produce 1.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) of biomethane a year by 2025 and Fonroche Biogas is therefore the cornerstone of our development in this market,” Sauquet added.

Through this transaction, Total will be a major player in renewable gas in France and Europe and strengthens its presence in the sector.

Fonroche Biogaz company designs, builds and operates anaerobic digestion units in France with about 500 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of installed capacity doubled between 2019 and 2020. The company has more than 10% of market share thanks to a portfolio of seven units in operation and a pipeline of four imminent projects. Additionally, Fonroche Biogaz has developed industrial and technological expertise across the entire renewable gas value chain.

For his part Yann MAUS, President and Founder of Fonroche Group, said: “We are proud to join the Total Group, which has shown strong vision and ambition, by launching a massive and sustainable investment program in renewable energies. 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 their strong growth – has confirmed our decision to combine the expertise of Fonroche Biogaz teams with this French energy major.”