Technip Energies, Airbus, Safran and Tereos have formed a joint venture to develop one of Europe’s largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facilities, targeting 160,000 tonnes of annual production and supporting both aviation decarbonisation and energy security goals.
A consortium comprising Technip Energies, Airbus, Safran and Tereos has agreed to establish a new joint venture, Rebound, to advance a large-scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project at the Port of Dunkirk in northern France.
The proposed facility is designed to produce around 160,000 tonnes of SAF annually using the Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) production pathway, positioning it among the largest projects of its type in Europe. The partners will initially fund development activities, including engineering studies and project planning ahead of a potential final investment decision.
The initiative reflects growing momentum across Europe to scale SAF production as airlines and fuel suppliers prepare for increasingly stringent renewable fuel mandates under the EU’s RefuelEU Aviation framework.
Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications of Airbus, stated: “The Rebound project is a vote of confidence in SAF and in Europe’s ability to be a leader in the journey to decarbonise aviation. With renewable energy facing global headwinds, Airbus will work with our partners to open up an abundant new SAF pathway, Alcohol-to-Jet fuel, in France. This project aims to increase the availability of lower-carbon fuels, contribute to reducing aviation emissions and strengthen Europe’s energy supply security, while creating a new job market. I am delighted that Airbus is a partner in the Rebound project, which is a vital step forward for the SAF ecosystem in Europe.”
The project will utilise advanced ethanol derived from agricultural and forestry residues, converting it into aviation fuel that can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used within existing aircraft fleets and airport infrastructure.
As demand for SAF accelerates, the AtJ pathway is gaining attention as a potentially scalable and commercially viable route to expanding supply. European SAF requirements are expected to rise significantly over the coming decades, creating pressure on the industry to develop new production capacity and diversify feedstock sources.
Nathalie Stubler, Chief Sustainability Officer of Safran, commented: “Developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel at scale is essential for decarbonising air transport. This ambitious project brings together leading French and European expertise, supporting the emergence of a competitive SAF industry. By joining forces with our partners, Safran reaffirms its commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, fully aligned with our strategy to reduce CO₂ emissions and support the energy transition in aviation. This commitment is reflected in our investments, through Safran Corporate Ventures, in the development of sustainable solutions for the aviation industry of tomorrow.”
The partnership brings together organisations spanning the entire SAF value chain.
Technip Energies will lead project development and engineering activities, leveraging its experience in scaling industrial energy transition technologies. Airbus and Safran will contribute as industrial partners and support future fuel offtake opportunities, while agricultural cooperative Tereos is expected to provide the advanced ethanol feedstock required for production.
The integrated structure is designed to improve supply chain resilience and strengthen domestic European production capacity at a time when energy security remains a strategic priority.
Jérôme Bos, Chief Strategy Officer of Tereos, added: “We are delighted to contribute, through Rebound, to the emergence of the Alcohol-to-Jet industry in France, supporting the decarbonization of the aviation sector. This project is fully aligned with Tereos’ mission to develop low-carbon industrial value chains by creating value from agricultural production. Tereos will bring to the project its expertise and industrial assets dedicated to the production of advanced ethanol. It also provides a strong illustration of the development of a bioeconomy rooted in French and European agricultural production.”
The Port of Dunkirk has already allocated an industrial site for the development, providing access to logistics infrastructure for feedstock sourcing and fuel distribution, as well as supporting future permitting activities.
The partners will now move into the next phase of project development, including technology selection, front-end engineering and design studies, permitting work, feedstock agreements, SAF offtake negotiations and financing arrangements.
The creation of the joint venture remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, with completion expected later this year.
Benjamin Lechuga, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer of Technip Energies, commented: “Sustainable Aviation Fuel is one of the most critical levers to decarbonise aviation, and the Alcohol-to-Jet pathway offers a credible, scalable route to get there. With Rebound, we are putting into practice our strategy to capture greater value through adjacent business models, originating and developing projects in fast-growing energy transition markets alongside recognised industry leaders such as Airbus, Safran and Tereos. We look forward to advancing this project with the engineering rigor and disciplined execution that define Technip Energies.”
