Sylvie Willis
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an iconic motorsport endurance event and the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2022, for the first time in its history, the 62 cars competing in the 90th edition of the race used 100% renewable fuel. This fuel, named Excellium Racing 100, was developed and produced by TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company. The fuel was made from wine residues, such as grape pomace and wine lees, blended with ETBE, a byproduct made from ethanol. This zero-oil fuel offered a reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 65% over its lifecycle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | 100% Renewable Fuel |
| Fuel Name | Excellium Racing 100 |
| Fuel Source | Wine residues (grape marcs and lees), straw, sugar cane bagasse, agricultural waste stalk and leaf, forest waste, waste from timber and paper industries, specially grown fuel crops |
| CO2 Emissions | Reduced by at least 65% |
| Fuel Supplier | TotalEnergies |
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What You'll Learn
Le Mans cars use 100% renewable fuel
Excellium Racing 100 is a zero-oil fuel, meaning it does not contain any oil in its composition. Instead, it is made from agricultural waste, specifically residues from the wine industry such as wine lees and grape pomace, combined with ETBE, a byproduct of ethanol produced at TotalEnergies' refinery near Lyon, France. This unique blend of renewable resources allows for a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions, with estimates of at least a 65% decrease over the fuel's lifecycle.
The development of Excellium Racing 100 took over 18 months of research and development, ensuring that the fuel meets all the requirements of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), car manufacturers, drivers, and the European directive on renewable energies (RED). This fuel not only reduces emissions but also maintains the high-performance standards demanded by racing teams.
The use of 100% renewable fuel at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2022 is a significant milestone. It reflects the increasing awareness of social and environmental issues within the motor racing industry and demonstrates a commitment to innovation and sustainability. This shift towards renewable fuel is also aligned with TotalEnergies' ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, showcasing their dedication to environmental responsibility.
The adoption of Excellium Racing 100 as the exclusive fuel for the Le Mans race cars sets a precedent for the future of motorsports. It highlights the potential for alternative fuel sources and the importance of reducing emissions in a sport that has traditionally been associated with high-performance engines and fossil fuels. As the world of motorsports continues to evolve, we can expect further innovations and advancements in sustainable fuel technologies, contributing to a greener and more environmentally conscious future for racing.
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This fuel is called Excellium Racing 100
For the first time in its history, the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race will feature cars that are fuelled by 100% renewable fuel. This fuel is called Excellium Racing 100. It is a zero-oil fuel that will deliver a reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 65% over its lifecycle.
Excellium Racing 100 is produced by TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company that develops and markets energy products. The company has more than 100,000 employees and is active in over 130 countries. TotalEnergies is committed to creating energy that is affordable, clean, reliable, and accessible to as many people as possible.
Excellium Racing 100 is derived from agricultural waste, including residues from the wine industry such as wine lees and grape pomace, as well as from straw, sugar cane bagasse, and agricultural waste stalk and leaf. The fuel is then blended with ETBE, a byproduct made from ethanol produced at TotalEnergies' refinery in France.
The development of Excellium Racing 100 took over 18 months of research and development to meet the requirements of the FIA, car manufacturers, drivers, and the European directive on renewable energies (RED). It is a major milestone in the partnership between TotalEnergies and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), as they work towards an energy transition and environmental strategy that aligns with TotalEnergies' ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
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It is produced by TotalEnergies
The fuel used by Le Mans cars is produced by TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies such as oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables, and electricity. TotalEnergies has over 100,000 employees worldwide and is committed to providing affordable, cleaner, more reliable, and accessible energy to people in more than 130 countries.
In 2022, TotalEnergies introduced a 100% renewable fuel for the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race, marking the first time in the event's history that the race cars would be powered by renewable fuel. This fuel, known as Excellium Racing 100, is a zero-oil fuel that delivers a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, with estimates ranging from at least 65% to up to 65%.
Excellium Racing 100 is a full-fledged racing fuel that meets the requirements of the FIA, car manufacturers, drivers, and the European directive on renewable energies (RED). It is produced from agricultural waste, including residues from the wine industry, such as wine lees and grape pomace, as well as ETBE, a byproduct made from ethanol. The process involves making ethanol from wine residues and combining it with ETBE sourced from local agricultural feedstock, resulting in a fuel that contributes to the event's energy transition and environmental strategy.
TotalEnergies' partnership with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) demonstrates their alignment with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This collaboration is a significant milestone, showcasing TotalEnergies' commitment to sustainability and innovation in the world of motorsports.
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The fuel is made from wine residues
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an iconic motorsport event and the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2022, for the first time in its history, the 62 cars competing in the 90th edition of the race will be supplied with 100% renewable fuel. This fuel, called Excellium Racing 100, is produced by French energy company TotalEnergies and is made from wine residues.
TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energy products such as oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables, and electricity. The company has over 100,000 employees and is active in more than 130 countries. TotalEnergies' Excellium Racing 100 fuel is a full-fledged racing fuel that meets all the requirements of the FIA, car manufacturers, drivers, and the European directive on renewable energies (RED).
The process of creating the fuel involves using residues from the wine industry, such as wine lees and grape pomace, to produce bioethanol or advanced ethanol. This is then blended with ETBE (ethyl tert-butyl ether) following a series of processes, including industrial fermentation, distillation, and dehydration. All materials used are sourced from the circular economy, which means that they are not drawn away from other sources.
The use of wine residues to create fuel for Le Mans race cars is a particularly French move, as it combines two iconic French industries: wine and motorsport. It also addresses the environmental crisis by reducing a car's CO2 emissions by at least 65%major player in the energy transition and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The wine industry is a significant socio-economic activity, especially in Europe, but it also contributes to environmental pollution and the depletion of natural resources due to the large amounts of waste it generates. By utilising wine residues to create fuel, TotalEnergies is able to address the issue of waste management in the wine industry while also providing a renewable source of energy for motorsport events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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It reduces CO2 emissions by 65%
In 2022, the 24 Hours of Le Mans race cars will be supplied with a 100% renewable fuel, Excellium Racing 100, developed and produced by TotalEnergies. This fuel is expected to deliver a reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 65% over its lifecycle. This zero-oil fuel is produced from agricultural waste, including residues from the wine industry, such as wine lees and grape pomace, and blended with ETBE, a byproduct made from ethanol produced at TotalEnergies' refinery near Lyon, France.
The use of renewable fuel in the race cars is a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of the Le Mans race. Motorsport events, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, have been scrutinized for their environmental impact, particularly due to the high-performance cars involved. By switching to a renewable fuel, the race organizers and participants are actively contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
The development and use of Excellium Racing 100 fuel by TotalEnergies demonstrate the company's commitment to sustainability and its ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This fuel is not only beneficial for the environment but also meets the requirements of the FIA, car manufacturers, drivers, and the European directive on renewable energies (RED). It is a safe and reliable racing fuel that can optimize the performance of turbocharged engines.
The reduction of CO2 emissions by 65% is a significant milestone in the partnership between TotalEnergies and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). This partnership is aligned with the energy transition and environmental strategy, showcasing a commitment to making motorsport more sustainable. The use of renewable fuel in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race is a positive step towards reducing the environmental impact of motorsport events and setting a precedent for future races and automotive innovations.
The 65% reduction in CO2 emissions is a significant contribution to the overall sustainability efforts of the motorsport industry. It is important to note that motorsport events, including Le Mans, generate emissions from various sources beyond just the race cars. However, by addressing the fuel source and engine technology, organizers and participants are taking a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. This reduction in emissions also highlights the potential for further advancements in sustainable fuel technologies and their applications in various industries.
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Frequently asked questions
Le Mans cars use 100% renewable fuel.
TotalEnergies is the fuel supplier for Le Mans cars.
The fuel, Excellium Racing 100, is made from wine residues, including grape marcs and lees, blended with ETBE, a byproduct made from ethanol.
The use of this renewable fuel will deliver a reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 65% over its lifecycle.
No, TotalEnergies also supplies this fuel to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).
