Conversion of the Albioma Le Gol Power Plant to 100% Biomass on Réunion island

The Albioma Le Gol plant switches to 100% biomass under the project management of E’nergys

In the French overseas departments, the energy transition targets set by the French government are ambitious, aiming for more than 50% renewable energy by 2025 and long-term energy autonomy. As the main electricity provider on Réunion island, Albioma has been committed for several years to reducing CO₂ emissions by fully eliminating fossil fuels—particularly coal—with the goal of reaching 90% renewables in its energy mix by 2025, and nearly 100% by 2030. To achieve this, Albioma converted all of its historic power plants to run exclusively on biomass in 2023, including Le Gol, which alone represents more than 22% of electricity production on the island. To carry out this project without disrupting the island’s energy supply, Albioma relied on the experience and expertise of E’nergys as project manager, from the design of the work packages through to commissioning.

A historic power plant to rethink — and major works to coordinate

Commissioned in 1995 and located in Saint-Louis, Le Gol is the second cogeneration plant built by Albioma in the overseas territories, following Bois-Rouge. With an installed capacity of 122 MW, it has supplied electricity to Réunion island’s grid for 35 years by using bagasse—a fibrous residue from sugar cane—and local biomass. In 2022, the French Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) authorized Albioma to permanently stop using coal at Le Gol (and therefore on the island entirely), in favor of biomass.

The conversion required extensive work, carefully planned and coordinated to avoid any disruption to the island’s energy supply. The project involved converting the boiler, adapting facilities to new fuels (storage, handling, combustion, flue gas treatment), and bringing the plant into full industrial compliance. It also included building biomass storage domes at the loading port to ensure continuous fuel supply.

To execute this large-scale project, Albioma relied on its long-standing partners: CHC Ingénierie Industrielle for load analysis on structural frames, and La Firminoise, a family-owned company specializing in civil engineering and structural works. In 2021, Albioma launched the search for a project manager capable of designing, coordinating, and supervising all work packages.

A recognized expert in biomass projects—ensuring quality, cost control, and on-time delivery—E’nergys won the project management contract in 2022.

A 360° support model and a single point of contact to steer the project

To provide 360° support, E’nergys managed every stage of this strategic and structuring project—from early analysis to commissioning. As project manager, E’nergys was responsible for preparing technical documents, coordinating all construction activities, and supporting the client, Albioma, in its interactions with contractors.

Its scope of work included the study phase, contractor consultation, support for contract awards, coordination and review of execution documents, study synthesis, scheduling and project control, supervision of work execution, end-of-work inspections, commissioning follow-up, and assistance during final acceptance operations.

To deliver these services, E’nergys assembled a dedicated task force combining internal teams and expert partners. This team included an Operations Director, Project Managers and Coordinators, and engineers specialized in electricity, boiler systems, and hydro-mechanics. The company also partnered with THEL-ETB for boiler modifications and handling systems.

All conversion, storage, and biomass handling works were completed in 2023.