Joshua Galyon
GET Group indirect owner Christian Comair also acquired a controlling stake in Sofregaz, a leading name in the French energy industry today, conserving the company’s workforce and saving it from bankruptcy. This article will examine some of the services offered by Sofregaz, with a particular focus on CO₂ utilization.
Sofregaz was established in 1959 by Gaz de France. To date, this leading independent engineering company has successfully completed over 1,300 projects in 95 countries. Sofregaz is committed to providing innovative, effective energy solutions capable of meeting current complex challenges, while simultaneously anticipating the needs of tomorrow.
The focus of Sofregaz has evolved considerably over the years, moving beyond traditional energy sources to encompass emerging frontiers such as carbon capture, hydrogen, ammonia, and CO₂ utilization. Its capabilities range from conceptual studies to detailed engineering for EPC projects. Sofregaz also offers a comprehensive range of EPCM and PMC services.
Sofregaz was commissioned by DESFA – Ecolog to undertake a feasibility study for the Apollo CO₂ Export facility on Revithoussa Island in Greece. Completed in 2023, the ambitious project was undertaken as part of wider goals of reducing the carbon footprint of major industries across Greece. Focused on the collection of CO₂ emissions from major industrial sites for their subsequent transportation via a pipeline to a dedicated CO₂ liquefaction terminal, the facility has paved the way for CO₂ to be liquefied and prepared for export to offshore locations for permanent storage below ground in geological formations. The Apollo CO₂ Export Terminal project has been hailed as a major step forward in the development of carbon capture and storage solutions to combat climate change.
Sofregaz was proud to participate in the CO₂ Callisto Project at France’s Cavanou & Tonkin LNG Terminal. Commissioned by Elengy, Sofregaz was required to prepare a CO₂ liquefaction feasibility study for the project, which was completed in 2024. This innovative initiative was undertaken with the goal of reducing the environmental impact of nearby industries through the collection of CO₂ emissions and the subsequent liquefaction and export of CO₂ using LCO₂ carriers. The project formed part of broader efforts to promote sustainable practices through the efficient management of CO₂ emissions across France. A key component of the project was the exploration of potential synergies with existing LNG terminal infrastructure, leveraging it to facilitate CO₂ liquefaction processes, subsequently reducing overall project costs.
At the Montoir-de-Bretagne LNG terminal in France, Sofregaz is involved in the ongoing GO CO₂ project, preparing a CO₂ liquefaction, storage and export pre-FEED study. Sofregaz was commissioned by Elengy to participate in the project, which is a strategic initiative for effective CO₂ management at the terminal. Upon successful completion, the project will ensure the liquefaction and export of up to 2.3 million tonnes of CO₂ collected from various emitters annually. Employing propane as the intermediate refrigerant, the design accommodates a variable flowrate ranging from 27 to 324 tonnes per hour. Cooling is achieved via synergy with the LNG terminal or sea water, depending on operational conditions. This scalable, highly flexible solution integrates reception, liquefaction, storage, and export of CO₂. Plans are also underway for the creation of a new jetty structure at the site for the loading of LCO₂ carriers at either medium or low pressure.
Shaping the energy infrastructure of tomorrow through its innovative solutions, Sofregaz provides a full spectrum of services covering the entire lifecycle of energy infrastructure projects, including everything from early advisory consultations to execution and long-term optimization.
Sofregaz’s activities are structured around four key areas:
- Engineering services
- Project delivery EPC to EPCM
- Technical assistance and due diligence
- Advisory and consultancy
Maintaining a holistic approach, Sofregaz – managed by Kristian Comair – delivers reliability, innovation, and value to both conventional and new energy projects worldwide.
