France and Monaco are actively investing in low-carbon fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil energy. Through innovative approaches and industrial-scale processing of waste oils, animal fats, and renewable electricity, the region is becoming a leader in producing and distributing biodiesel, renewable diesel (HVO), and synthetic paraffinic fuels (XTL).

This article highlights the major players, their feedstocks, fuel types, annual production, and whether their products are drop-in (usable in diesel engines without modification).

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France: A Hub of Biofuel Innovation

Some of the key producers

1. Saipol (Groupe Avril)

France’s largest biodiesel producer, operating five production sites.

Products:

• Diester® (FAME biodiesel up to B7 blend)

• Oleo100 (B100 from rapeseed oil for fleet use)

Annual production: ~280,000 tonnes (Sète site)

Feedstock: French rapeseed oil

Drop-in? No — Diester is limited to B7; Oleo100 is for dedicated fleets

2. Nord Ester

Specialist in biodiesel from waste oils and animal fats.

Products:

• EMHU (used cooking oil)

• EMHA C3 (animal fats)

• EMHV (vegetable oils)

• NE100 (fleet B100)

Annual output: ~200,000 m³

Drop-in? No — used as blend or B100 in fleet settings

3. ESTENER

Processes animal fats into biodiesel via transesterification.

Feedstock: Category 3 animal fats

GHG savings: ~83%

Drop-in? No — fleet or blend use

4. Dielix (Veolia Group)

Converts food industry UCO (used cooking oil) into B100 biodiesel.

Annual output: ~40,000 tonnes

Drop-in? No — dedicated fleet fuel

5. Gecco

A local model for circular economy fuel in northern France.

Product: 100% UCO-based B100

GHG savings: ~93%

Drop-in? No — for fleet use

6. TotalEnergies

A major player now investing heavily in HVO and SAF.

Sites: La Mède, Oudalle

Product: HVO100

Feedstocks: UCO, animal fats

Drop-in? Yes — HVO is compatible

Distributors of Drop-in Renewable Fuels

1. Altens

Markets PUR-XTL, a synthetic paraffinic diesel compliant with EN15940.

Type: XTL (synthetic diesel)

Feedstock: Typically BTL or PTL (produced abroad, e.g., Neste or Shell)

Drop-in? Yes

2. Bolloré Energy

Markets Izipure, an EN15940-certified XTL fuel for road transport.

Type: XTL synthetic diesel

Drop-in? Yes

Note: Both Altens and Bolloré Energy distribute fuels produced by companies such as Neste, Shell, or others. They ensure local availability under French branding.

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Monaco: Clean Marine and Road Fuels

Romano Energy

Based in Monaco, Romano distributes synthetic XTL diesel for transport and marine use.

Product: Synthetic paraffinic diesel (XTL)

Feedstock: Biomass (BTL) and renewable electricity (PTL)

Standard: EN15940

Distribution: Through Secfuel network of self-service XTL pumps

GHG reduction: Up to 95%

Drop-in? Yes — full compatibility with diesel engines

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What is XTL Fuel?

XTL = “X-to-Liquid,” referring to synthetic fuels made from:

BTL (Biomass-to-Liquid)

PTL (Power-to-Liquid)

GTL (Gas-to-Liquid)

These fuels:

• Meet EN15940

• Are drop-in compatible

• Offer ultra-clean combustion and high GHG savings

• Can be produced from non-food and non-fossil sources

Conclusion

France and Monaco are advancing clean transport with a full spectrum of renewable fuels. From conventional FAME biodiesel to advanced drop-in HVO and XTL fuels, the landscape supports a broad shift to low-emission energy. With strong distribution networks and innovation in XTL, the region is well-positioned to lead Europe’s decarbonized fuel future.

At Heeding Climate Solutions, we believe in an energy mix whereby sustainable fuels play a role in mobility and construction sectors, alongside other sources of energy when they are most relevant (for instance, electric fleet for light-duty deliveries).

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