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Credits : Louis Bachoué
Credits : Adrien Basse - Cathalinat
The Lacq Basin, an industrial success story
born from the development of a natural gas field
The Lacq Basin, an industrial success story born from the development of a natural gas field
The Lacq basin is one of the most striking industrial success stories in France. Originally home to the pioneers of modern energy industries, it is today a hub for innovative companies committed to sustainable chemistry and the energy transition.
The Lacq Basin hosts 4 SEVESO platforms, an R&D platform, and a network of forward‑looking specialising in sustainable fuels, green and speciality chemicals, strategic materials, and energy‑transition technologies, all within a historic industrial ecosystem.
Located at the heart of the Pays de l’Adour in the Pyrénées‑Atlantiques, and connected by air, rail and maritime routes, the Lacq Basin is the region’s industrial engine contributing to the development of all local strategic industries.
History
1949
Discovery of an oil field
1951
Discovery of the first natural gas field, named Lacq 1
1957
Start‑up of one of Europe’s largest gas fields and development of a full industrial complex - including the construction of the new town of Mourenx.
Creation of Sobegi and commissioning of the Mourenx platform.
1985
Launch of TORAY’s first carbon fibre production line.
2003
Creation of GIP CHEMPARC to revitalise economic
development across the Lacq industrial basin.
2006
Establishment of ABENGOA (Bioénergie du Sud‑Ouest – BSO – Vertex).
2011
Creation of CHEMSTART’UP,
a business incubator for start‑ups in chemistry and advanced materials.
2017 à 2022
CHEMSTART’UP experiences continuous growth with four successive expansions.
2019
Signature of the Lacq‑Pau‑Tarbes Industrial Contract – Act 1
2024
Signature and implementation of the Lacq‑Pau‑Tarbes Industrial Contract – Act 2.
2025
Launch of the ZIBaC programme.
Launch of the ZIBaC programme (Low‑Carbon Industrial Zone).
CAREMAG investment decision announced.
An industrial territory
structured around four platforms
The industrial story of the Lacq Basin gave rise to a unique industrial hub that is home to more than 30 companies, including 24 located across four upper‑tier Seveso‑classified platforms.
Alongside them, around 200 service providers established in the area play a key role in the functioning of this industrial ecosystem, and account for nearly half of all jobs in the basin.
This dense and interconnected industrial fabric is the strength of an economically resilient territory focused on R&D, green chemistry and decarbonisation.
A centre of innovation
driven by private research
Within its local environment, the Lacq Basin stands as a strategic research and development hub, concentrating more than 25% of all private R&D in Nouvelle‑Aquitaine. 25% of all private R&D in Nouvelle‑Aquitaine.
TotalEnergies’ Pôle d’Études et de Recherche de Lacq (PERL, Lacq Studies and Research Centre), brings together 120 employees, enabling experimentation that spans from laboratory work to semi‑industrial pilot stages.
Arkema’s Groupe de Recherche de Lacq (GRL, Lacq Research Group), is also a key innovation player, filing nearly 30 patents each year and employing 165 staff.
The Chemstart-up platform, for its part, supports the incubation of industrial start‑ups and now brings together four entities employing around one hundred people.
Finally, the territory is involved in university‑led research on environmental energy solutions through initiatives such as UPPA’s I-SITE E2S project, the Carnot ISIFOR network, and the Avenia competitiveness cluster. Together, these initiatives strengthen the Lacq Basin’s position as a hub for sustainable and technological innovation.
The partnership agreement forged with the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour reflects the close relationship between industry and academic research.
Key figures
4
SEVESO platforms
1
R&D platform
1
Technology Transfer
Centre
30+
Industrial companies
(24 SEVESO sites)
200
service
providers
7,500
jobs across the basin
€2.5+ billion
in ongoing or upcoming
investments
680
hectares of industrial land
5+
Training establishments
1,500+
jobs created
over the next 3 years
They chose the Lacq Basin, and here’s what they say
Jean-Christophe VIGUIE
Chief Executive Officer - Nacre
They chose
the Lacq Basin,
and here’s what they say
Frédéric VIGNAU
HSE Manager - Carester
They chose
the Lacq Basin,
and here ’s what they say
Benoit DECOURT
Founding Partner - Elyse Energy
They chose
the Lacq Basin,
and here’s what they say
Jean-Marc GUILHEMPEY
CEO Toray Carbon Fibers Europe
The Lacq Basin :
a great place to live
The Lacq Basin offers an exceptional quality of life: just a few kilometres from both the sea and the mountains, and close to Spain, it provides a unique balance between natural surroundings and economic vitality. With its unspoilt landscapes and numerous outdoor activities, the area appeals both to businesses and to anyone seeking an enjoyable, fulfilling place to live and grow.
