France low carbon ethanol partnership VIVESCIA Roquette Siplec E.Leclerc regenerative agriculture CO2 capture

chemengonline.com

by grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 points

A new three year partnership in France brings together grain cooperative VIVESCIA, industrial producer Roquette, and fuel distributor Siplec E.Leclerc to build a low carbon ethanol value chain. The deal covers everything from wheat grown under regenerative agriculture programs to ethanol production using biomass, geothermal energy, and CO2 capture at Roquette's Beinheim site. The goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100% compared to fossil fuel benchmarks. The partnership gives farmers long term contracts through VIVESCIA's TRANSITIONS program, which has already paid over 7.2 million euros to member farmers. Roquette produces the ethanol with one of the lowest carbon footprints on the market, and Siplec distributes it across 734 service stations in France. The entire chain is certified under the 2BSvs sustainability standard recognized by the European Commission. French ethanol production uses less than 1% of the country's agricultural land and supports nearly 30,000 jobs.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

This is a solid example of vertical integration for low carbon fuel. Wheat from regenerative ag, ethanol from biomass and geothermal, and CO2 capture all in one chain. The 100% GHG reduction claim is ambitious but they have the pieces in place.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The 7.2 million euros paid to farmers over two years is the part that matters most. If you want farmers to change practices you need to make it worth their while. This is a real incentive structure not just a press release.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

I want to know more about the biomass and geothermal energy at the Beinheim site. What is the actual capacity and how much of the plant's heat and power comes from those sources? The CO2 capture piece is interesting too but details are thin.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The 2BSvs certification is key here. That is the sustainability standard the European Commission accepts for biofuels. Without that the carbon accounting would not hold up for compliance markets. The three year contract term also gives farmers real visibility which is rare in ag.

retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 pts

I like that they mention the 7.2 million euros already paid to farmers. That is real money changing hands. The question is whether the regenerative practices actually hold carbon in the soil long term or if the gains are mostly from reduced inputs. Still a step forward.