Technip Eneries, Airbus, Safran and Tereos have joined forces to create Rebound, a new joint venture that aims to develop one of Europe’s largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facilities at the Port of Dunkirk in northern France.
The proposed plant will use alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) technology to convert advanced ethanol derived from agricultural and forestry residues into sustainable aviation fuel. With an expected annual output of around 160,000 tonnes, the facility is set to play a significant role in supporting the aviation sector’s decarbonisation efforts while strengthening Europe’s energy resilience.
The four partners have committed to funding the project’s development phase, covering engineering studies and other activities required ahead of a potential Final Investment Decision (FID).
SAF is widely regarded as the aviation industry’s most effective tool for reducing carbon emissions. Demand is expected to grow rapidly under the European Union’s RefuelEU Aviation regulation, which will gradually increase SAF blending requirements to 6% by 2030 and 70% by 2050.
Technip Energies will lead project development and engineering activities, drawing on its experience in large-scale industrial projects and technology deployment. Airbus and Safran will participate as industrial partners, helping to facilitate future fuel offtake agreements and potentially becoming SAF customers. Tereos, one of Europe’s leading ethanol producers, is expected to supply the advanced ethanol feedstock required for production.
Together, the partners bring expertise across the entire SAF value chain, from feedstock sourcing and fuel production through to aircraft operations.
The project has already reached a key milestone with the allocation of an industrial site by the Port of Dunkirk. The location offers strong logistics capabilities for transporting raw materials and finished products, while also supporting a streamlined permitting process.
The next phase will include technology selection, permitting work, pre-FEED and FEED studies, finalisation of feedstock and offtake agreements, and securing financing for construction.
The joint venture remains subject to customary approvals and closing conditions and is expected to be formally established during the second half of the year.
