TotalEnergies has announced plans to begin producing biofuels from used cooking oil starting in 2026. This green innovation will be made possible through a newly signed 15-year supply agreement with Quatra, a European leader in the collection and recycling of used cooking oil.
The deal, which secures the supply of 60,000 tonnes of used cooking oil annually, will enable TotalEnergies to produce road biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at its French biorefineries in La Mède and Grandpuits. Quatra will be responsible for collecting used cooking oil from restaurants, food chains, and industrial kitchens across France and Europe. After filtration, the oil will be delivered to TotalEnergies’ facilities for refining.
“This deal contributes to securing the feedstock to produce biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel,” TotalEnergies said in a statement on Wednesday.
With growing global concerns over climate change and fossil fuel dependency, TotalEnergies’ biofuel initiative reinforces its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. By transforming waste into fuel, the company is championing a circular energy economy that offers a renewable and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional petroleum products.
The company has already repurposed its La Mède refinery—initially a fossil fuel facility—into a fully operational biorefinery. Commissioned in 2019, La Mède now has an annual production capacity of 500,000 tonnes of biofuel, including HVO biodiesel, making it the only HVO producer in France. The plant will also begin SAF production for southern French airports this year.
Meanwhile, the Grandpuits refinery, located near Paris, is being converted into a zero-crude complex with a biofuel production capacity of 230,000 tonnes per year. It is scheduled to come online in 2026, supported by a feedstock supply agreement with SARIA, a key European player in organic waste reuse.
Valérie Goff, Senior Vice President of Renewable Fuels & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, expressed optimism about the deal with Quatra, citing its importance in securing raw materials for green energy production.
“I am delighted with this strategic agreement with Quatra that contributes to our aim to secure the feedstock we need to produce biofuels in our biorefineries,” Goff said. “By directly reducing the carbon intensity of the energy products used by our customers, we are actively working with them as part of our net zero approach.”
Quatra’s Co-Chief Executive Officer, Pol Van Pollaert, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the environmental and logistical synergy between the two companies.
“This deal is an excellent example of a sustainable value chain that combines logistics, environmental responsibility, and financial viability,” Pollaert stated. “By supplying locally collected used cooking oil, we allow TotalEnergies to turn that valuable resource into biofuel.”
Biofuels, including biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel, are becoming increasingly attractive due to their ability to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Made from biomass such as plants, algae, and food waste, they provide an eco-friendly alternative for transportation and aviation sectors.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global demand for biofuels is expected to increase by more than 25% by 2027, with advanced biofuels like HVO and SAF at the forefront. The TotalEnergies-Quatra partnership fits squarely within this trend and positions France as a key player in Europe’s renewable energy transformation.
As global economies transition away from carbon-heavy fuels, TotalEnergies’ pivot to used cooking oil as a renewable energy source underscores a broader industry shift toward sustainable innovation. The long-term supply deal with Quatra not only guarantees a steady stream of feedstock but also sets a new benchmark for environmental collaboration between major industrial players.
By 2026, France could emerge as a European leader in biofuel production from organic waste, with TotalEnergies driving this revolution—one litre of used cooking oil at a time.