Alternative Energy

Abundant, renewable, versatile and virtually greenhouse gas-neutral when used under the right conditions, biomass is one of the energy resources of the future.

Whatever its form, biomass is created when solar energy and atmospheric carbon dioxide are stored as organic molecules, through the natural process of photosynthesis.

Although biomass is already widely used as an energy source — firewood — finding sustainable, efficient ways to harness it as a fuel or source of electricity or in bioproducts such as plastics, polymers and lubricants will require both major technological strides and the solution of complex environmental issues. Though biomass offers a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the availability of sufficient resources and ensuring that other applications do not compete with food uses are among the criteria that will be decisive for the viable development of biomass.

Mindful of the above issues, Total is participating in a number of basic research projects trials involving bioenergies and biomass, to help advance the commercial development of the most appropriate applications.

Background
Total’s Involvement