The AREVA group, a major player in renewable energies, has announced the acquisition of a technology enabling the production of bio-coal. Based on the Thermya torrefaction process, this unique technology, currently being deployed commercially, produces plant fuel from biomass which can replace fossil coal used in the production of thermal energy and electricity.

This operation enables AREVA to consolidate its position as a solutions provider for energy with less CO2. It is in line with the group's strategy to broaden its offer in the field of renewable energies by placing a stronger emphasis on technology.

Based in the southwest of France, a team of around twenty people already forms part of this activity.

Luc Oursel, President and CEO of AREVA, declared: "This acquisition strengthens our position in the field of renewable energies, and establishes AREVA on the global biocoal market, which has considerable potential.

"Thanks to the acquisition of this unique torrefaction technology, and on the strength of its subsidiary AREVA Bioenergy 35 years of experience, the group is particularly well-placed to capture a significant share of the bio-coal market."

As an industrial pioneer in the field of bioenergy, AREVA is the leader on the market for turnkey biomass plants and has played a role in the installation of more than 5 000 MW of electric power worldwide.

The torrefaction (or depolymerization) of biomass is a thermo-chemical process aiming to eliminate water and alter part of the organic matter of biomass to break down its fibers.

Torrefied biomass (or bio-coal) offers a number of benefits, including high energy density, hydrophobia, and increased grindability