France plans biofuel power plant using waste cooking oil

Électricité de France (EDF) and grid operator RTE are researching the construction of the Sirius thermal power plant in the Champagne-sur-Oise region of Val-d'Oise. The project, estimated to cost 550 million Euro, aims to utilize hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) derived from waste cooking oil, animal fats, and non-edible vegetable oils.

The facility is designed to have a capacity of approximately 650 MW, which could meet the peak electricity needs of a city of 500,000 people. It is intended to supplement the power supply during periods of high demand, such as winter or when wind and solar outputs decrease. If implemented, EDF states it would be the first plant of its kind in mainland Europe.

The plant is planned for the 73-hectare site of a former coal-fired power station. By using HVO, the project expects to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 80% compared to traditional fuel oil plants. To minimize environmental impact, EDF plans to transport fuel via the Oise River using roughly 15 barge trips per year.