Airbus, Safran, Technip Energies and Tereos for JV to build SAF plant in France

Four major European companies have joined forces to develop a large-scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility at the Port of Dunkirk in northern France.

Technip Energies, Airbus, Safran and Tereos have signed an agreement to create Rebound, a joint venture targeting production of approximately 160,000 tons of SAF per year using the alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) process, which converts ethanol from agricultural and forestry residues into jet fuel.

The plant would be among the largest SAF facilities in Europe.

The partners have committed to fund the project’s development phase, covering engineering studies and other work needed before a final investment decision (FID) can be made.

The Port of Dunkirk has already awarded Technip Energies an industrial site for the project. The joint venture is expected to be finalised in the second half of 2026.

Technip Energies will lead development and engineering, Tereos will supply the advanced ethanol feedstock, while Airbus and Safran will serve as industrial partners and potential SAF offtakers.

“SAF is one of the most critical levers to decarbonise aviation, and the alcohol-to-jet pathway offers a credible, scalable route to get there,” said Benjamin Lechuga, chief strategy and sustainability officer of Technip Energies. “We look forward to advancing this project with the engineering rigor and disciplined execution that define Technip Energies.”

“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,” said Julie Kitcher, chief sustainability officer and communications of Airbus.

“Developing SAF at scale is essential for decarbonising air transport. 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,” said Nathalie Stubler, chief sustainability officer of Safran.

“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,” said Jérôme Bos, chief strategy officer of Tereos.

The project comes as EU regulations require SAF blending to reach 6% by 2030 and 70% by 2050.