Industry - from yesteryear until today

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• Lacq Odyssée

The industrial exploitation of Lacq’s industrial zone began in October 1949.

The SNPA,(Société Nationale des Pétroles d'Aquitaine) started drilling in Lacq 1 and uncovered petroleum for the first time. On the back of this discovery, further drilling programs were undertaken, revealing a large layer of gas more than 3500 m deep.

On December the 19th 1951, the gas hit a height of more than 25 m above ground and this led to the development of two more wells by the end of 1953. In the end, 32 wells proved productive, and in 1957, the decision was taken to create an industrial complex in order to fully exploit the natural resources.

Lacq became a ‘Béarnaise Texas’ and this deeply changed the landscape of a region which had, until then,  been mainly agricultural.

Nowadays, Total along with three other groups make up this industrial zone which, over the years, has specialised in biotechnology (cosmetics, pharmaceuticals ...) and is moving towards sustainable chemistry with the inauguration of a bioethanol plant in 2007.

Lacq Odyssée, an industrial discovery

Lacq Odyssée, a scientific, technical and industrial culture centre for the Aquitaine Region, has multiple goals. It implements scientific and technical mediation programs, partners with economic and scientific sector players to inform and raise public awareness of major scientific and technological issues, and encourages and facilitates youth access to scientific, technical and industrial culture.

In addition, it aims to strengthen contacts between the scientific community, the local economic fabric and regional cultural resources. It facilitates meetings and dialogue between regional residents and the scientific community; whilst providing a glimpse into the world of scientific work and a better understanding of the different professions.

Industrial tourism is still not yet widely known or indeed feasible due to safety regulations, however, this information centre is of great importance.