The chimneys smoke and the stainless steel shines on the Saipol production site, in Grand-Couronne, near Rouen (Seine-Maritime). This Avril group factory, one of the specialists in the world of rapeseed processing after "crushing", produces edible oil, oil cake for animal nutrition, glycerin for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry and, for one year, vegetable oil methyl ester, marketed under the name of Oleo100.
“This liquid has the advantage of being 100% made in France, 100% local and 100% vegetable. You don't change anything, and it changes everything, ”explains Kristell Guizouarn, Director of New Energies. Indeed, the inventor of biodiesel went far in research to develop 100% of the seed and compete with the refiners of soybean and palm oil.
No risk of deforestation
Well aware of the criticisms of deforestation, Kristell Guizouarn recalls that “rapeseed is a monoculture in rotation with wheat and barley, which does not monopolize the land. It is honey and does not require irrigation. It has an agronomic, environmental - taking precautions on phytosanitary treatments - and economic, as an additional income for farmers. In addition, we have a surplus of oil and we plan to produce a Norman Oleo100 ”.
After four years of research, Avril managed to run heavy-duty engines with his fuel: “We work with all the engine manufacturers for approvals. The Oleo100 is intended primarily for the captive fleets of those who have their vehicle fleet and their tank, which we can supply or clean. ” Hear truckers, communities, river barges, construction and even the rail sector.
A step towards the energy transition
“Transporters are thus finding a solution for their energy transition. There is a strong expectation and the impact is immediate, because road transport will not be without tomorrow, ”explains the specialist.
On paper, the arguments are convincing: 60% less greenhouse gas from harvest to the tank, an 80% reduction in particle emissions, the only energy certified for its traceability, more safety with a point flash at 100 ° C which allows storage without declaration at the prefecture, consumption equivalent to diesel, cold resistance at −15 ° C and −20 ° C, with an additive, compatible with a very wide range of engines and even price at the pump.
"It's a new energy", proclaims Kristell Guizouarn whose objectives are ambitious: "For a year, we have supplied 5000 m3 to 40 customers, including three communities that are Alençon (Orne), Granville (Manche) and Monaco. In 2019, 300 trucks drove the Oleo100 and large construction groups ran their generator sets. We want to increase to 35,000 m3, 200 customers and 3,000 trucks in 2020 and reach 250,000 m3 and 15,000 trucks in 2023. ”
And soon, river transport
To do this, the company will launch experiments. In January 2020, two CFT barges will leave Rouen to reach the Ile de France. One will be supplied with conventional diesel and the other with rapeseed ester. “Analyzes and measurements will be carried out, specifies Kristell Guizouarn. Then, we work with the Métropole Rouen Normandie, which wishes to switch to the Oleo100 as part of a specific program including agricultural development and the fight against pesticides. We will also contact other river transport such as cruise ships and later, rail. "