Technip Energies, aircraft manufacturer Airbus, aerospace group Safran, and agricultural cooperative Tereos have signed an agreement to create Rebound, a joint venture that will develop a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant at the port of Dunkirk in northern France.
The project involves the construction of a facility capable of producing approximately 160,000 tons of SAF annually, a capacity that would position it among the largest in Europe and contribute to strengthening the continent’s energy sovereignty.
The SAF Plant Aims to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation
Currently, sustainable aviation fuel is considered one of the primary alternatives for reducing carbon emissions from air transport. Its use enables a reduction in the environmental footprint of flights using existing infrastructure, engines, and aircraft.
In this context, the new joint venture seeks to respond to the expected growth in European demand. The targets established by the RefuelEU Aviation regulation anticipate a progressive increase in SAF incorporation into fuel used by airlines over the coming decades.
Alcohol-to-Jet Technology as the Project’s Core
The future facility will utilize Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) technology, a process that transforms advanced ethanol derived from agricultural and forestry residues into sustainable fuel for aircraft.
This technological pathway has gained relevance within the energy transition due to its potential for industrial scalability and economic competitiveness compared to other available alternatives for renewable fuel production.
Furthermore, the fuel generated through this process is compatible with current aviation infrastructure, facilitating its adoption by airlines and sector operators.
An Alliance Integrating the Entire Value Chain
Each partner will contribute specific capabilities to drive the project’s development.
On one hand, Technip Energies will serve as the lead developer and engineering provider, leveraging its experience in executing large industrial projects linked to the energy transition.
On the other hand, Airbus and Safran will participate as industrial partners and potential purchasers of the fuel produced, strengthening the link between energy production and the European aviation industry.
Likewise, Tereos will supply the advanced ethanol necessary for SAF production, drawing on its position as one of Europe’s leading ethanol producers.
Through this structure, the initiative integrates everything from raw material supply to the final use of fuel in commercial aircraft.
Dunkirk Strengthens Its Role as a European Energy Hub
One of the most significant milestones achieved by the project has been the allocation of an industrial site at the port of Dunkirk.
The location offers logistical advantages for the transportation of raw materials and finished products, in addition to facilitating the administrative processes necessary for developing the future facility.
The partners will finance engineering studies, permits, and technical activities required during this phase before making the Final Investment Decision.
Next Steps for Rebound
Over the coming months, the consortium will advance in selecting the final technology, developing the pre-FEED and FEED phases, formalizing supply agreements, and structuring the financing necessary to construct the plant.
If the anticipated timelines are met, the formal creation of the joint venture could be completed during the second half of the year, consolidating an initiative that seeks to strengthen European sustainable aviation fuel production and accelerate the transition toward aviation with lower carbon emissions.
Source: Technip Energies
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