RYAM, an American company specializing in wood chemistry, launched the production of second-generation cellulosic bioethanol at its Tartas site in the Landes region in April 2024.
This plant is the first of its kind in France and the third in Europe to produce bioethanol from maritime pine residues.
The group intends to initially use this bioethanol as fuel for automobiles, with plans to eventually produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for the aviation industry. According to Christian Ribeyrolle, RYAM's vice president, this biofuel will have a much lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels.
RYAM officially began construction of the bioethanol plant in June 2023, with commercial operation scheduled for the first half of 2024 and a production capacity of 21 million liters.
