TotalEnergies is accelerating its commitment to reducing carbon emissions by advancing renewable hydrogen production at its La Mède platform in southeastern France. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with Air Liquide, aligns with TotalEnergies’ ambition to decarbonize the hydrogen used across its European refineries by 2030. By incorporating innovative projects like this and the ongoing Masshylia green hydrogen project, TotalEnergies aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions at La Mède by 130,000 tons annually.
A New Era for Renewable Hydrogen at La Mède
Air Liquide, a global leader in gas technologies, will construct and operate a cutting-edge renewable hydrogen production facility at the La Mède site. With an annual production capacity of 25,000 tons, the facility will rely on the recycling of coproducts generated by the TotalEnergies biorefinery. The hydrogen produced will be essential for creating biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), positioning La Mède as a hub for low-carbon fuel production.
The total investment for this project, shared between TotalEnergies and Air Liquide, amounts to €150 million. The facility is slated to begin operations in 2028, marking a significant milestone in TotalEnergies’ strategy to transform its operations and advance its decarbonization goals.
Vincent Stoquart, President of Refining & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“This new renewable hydrogen production project, carried out with Air Liquide, allows us to accelerate the decarbonization of our La Mède platform. Almost ten years after the announcement of its conversion, La Mède is continuing its transformation and is becoming a low-carbon hydrogen production center, thus contributing to the decarbonization ambition of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.”
Expanding Hydrogen Solutions with the Masshylia Project
In parallel with the collaboration at La Mède, TotalEnergies is advancing the Masshylia green hydrogen project in partnership with ENGIE. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, the project involves using water electrolysis to produce green hydrogen with a capacity of 10,000 tons annually. The hydrogen will serve both the biorefinery at La Mède and local industrial customers in the Fos-Berre industrial-port zone.
The initial phase of the Masshylia project includes deploying a 20 MW electrolyzer, expected to be operational by 2029. However, its timeline depends on securing European and French subsidies and obtaining the necessary public authorizations. The project represents a key element in TotalEnergies’ roadmap for hydrogen production and local industrial decarbonization.
Driving Decarbonization Across European Refineries
TotalEnergies is committed to reducing the carbon footprint associated with producing, converting, and supplying energy. Decarbonizing its European refinery operations is a cornerstone of this strategy, and low-carbon hydrogen plays a pivotal role. By integrating renewable and green hydrogen into its processes, the company aims to cut its CO2 emissions by approximately three million tons annually by 2030.
This vision aligns with global energy transition goals, reflecting TotalEnergies’ leadership in advancing sustainable energy solutions. The renewable hydrogen projects at La Mède and Masshylia demonstrate how innovative partnerships and advanced technologies can transform traditional industries into low-carbon leaders.
Transforming La Mède into a Low-Carbon Hydrogen Hub
La Mède, once a conventional refinery, has undergone a decade-long transformation into a biorefinery and now a center for low-carbon hydrogen production. This evolution underscores TotalEnergies’ commitment to aligning its operations with the decarbonization objectives of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and beyond.
The facility’s renewable hydrogen output will directly support the production of cleaner fuels such as SAF and biodiesel, catering to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions. The collaboration with Air Liquide enhances La Mède’s capability to lead in renewable hydrogen production, setting a benchmark for similar projects globally.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Through initiatives like the La Mède and Masshylia projects, TotalEnergies is redefining how traditional energy companies contribute to a sustainable future. By integrating renewable energy solutions into its core operations, the company is paving the way for significant emissions reductions and fostering innovation in clean fuel production.
This dual approach of leveraging partnerships and deploying advanced technologies highlights the potential of renewable hydrogen to drive industrial decarbonization. With a focus on scaling such projects, TotalEnergies is well-positioned to play a leading role in the global energy transition.
