Technip Energies, Airbus, Safran and Tereos have signed an agreement to establish “Rebound”, a joint venture to develop a large-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility at the Port of Dunkirk in northern France.
The project aims to produce approximately 160,000 tonnes of Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) SAF annually, positioning it among the largest such facilities in Europe while supporting regional energy security and aviation decarbonisation goals.
The partners will jointly fund the development phase, covering engineering studies and preparatory activities ahead of a final investment decision. Technip Energies will serve as lead developer and engineering provider, while Airbus and Safran will act as industrial partners and potential SAF offtakers. Tereos will contribute as a key supplier of advanced ethanol feedstock.
SAF is widely regarded as a primary pathway for reducing aviation emissions. Under the European Union’s RefuelEU Aviation framework, SAF blending mandates are set to increase to 6% by 2030 and 70% by 2050, significantly driving demand. The Alcohol-to-Jet process converts ethanol derived from agricultural and forestry residues into drop-in fuel compatible with existing aircraft and engines.
The Port of Dunkirk has already allocated an industrial site for the project, offering logistical advantages and facilitating permitting processes. The development will now progress through key stages including technology selection, pre-FEED and FEED studies, feedstock and offtake agreements, and financing arrangements.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Jérôme Bos, Chief Strategy Officer of Tereos, declared: “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.”
