Technip Energies, Airbus, Safran, and Tereos have united to establish ‘Rebound’, a joint venture focused on developing a substantial production project for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at the Port of Dunkirk in Northern France. This initiative is poised to bolster European energy sovereignty and underscore France’s leadership in the ongoing energy transition.
The Rebound project is set to leverage the Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) technological pathway. This method converts advanced ethanol, derived from agricultural and forestry residues, into a drop-in aviation fuel. This SAF can be seamlessly blended with conventional jet fuel and utilized in existing aircraft engines without modifications, offering a practical solution for immediate emissions reduction in aviation.
With an anticipated annual production capacity of around 160,000 tons, the SAF production project is expected to be one of the largest of its kind in Europe. This expansion of SAF production capacity is critically timed, given the increasing regulatory pressure and market demand. Under the European Union’s Refuel EU Aviation regulation, SAF blending mandates are set to rise significantly, reaching 6% by 2030 and escalating to 70% by 2050. This regulatory landscape anticipates an eightfold increase in SAF demand between 2030 and 2050, underscoring the strategic importance of projects like Rebound.
The consortium partners have committed to funding the initial development phase of the France SAF production project. This phase includes crucial engineering studies and other preparatory activities necessary for a Final Investment Decision (FID). Technip Energies will spearhead the project as the lead developer and engineering service provider, contributing its extensive expertise in technology scaling and complex project execution. Airbus and Safran, both global leaders in the aerospace sector, are joining as industrial partners and will play a role in facilitating SAF offtake. Tereos, a prominent European ethanol producer and French agricultural cooperative, is set to supply the advanced ethanol required for the project.
This collaborative effort covers the entire value chain, from feedstock supply to the end-use in aviation, positioning it as a comprehensive, European-led initiative in the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. A significant initial milestone has already been achieved with the Port of Dunkirk awarding Technip Energies an industrial site. This location offers considerable logistical advantages for the transport of feedstock and finished products, alongside a potentially streamlined permitting process.
The partners will proceed through a structured development process. Key upcoming steps include the selection of the technology licensor, permitting activities, the launch of Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) work, finalizing feedstock supply and SAF offtake agreements, and securing the necessary financing for the construction phase of the facility. The formal establishment of the Rebound joint venture is anticipated in the latter half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals, marking a crucial step for the SAF production project.
Benjamin Lechuga, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer of Technip Energies, said, “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.”
Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications of Airbus, said, “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.”
Nathalie Stubler, Chief Sustainability Officer of Safran, said, “This ambitious project brings together leading French and European expertise, supporting the emergence of a competitive SAF industry.”
Jérôme Bos, Chief Strategy Officer of Tereos, said, “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.”
