Technip, Airbus, Safran & Tereos: A Global SAF Partnership

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can reduce lifecycle GHG emissions by 80-100% compared to fossil fuels, depending on the production process and feedstock used, according to the SAF Coalition.

Due to its potential to support a more sustainable aviation industry, Technip Energies, Airbus, Safran and Tereos have entered into an agreement to create Rebound.

Rebound is set to be a joint venture, developing a large-scale SAF production project at the Port of Dunkirk, France.

Alcohol-to-Jet for aviation decarbonisation

The Rebound project plans to use the Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) technological pathway to produce approximately 145,000 tonnes of SAF annually.

As a result, this facility is set to become one of the largest of its kind in Europe, directly contributing to European energy sovereignty.

With this agreement in place, the partners commit to funding the project’s development phase, including engineering studies.

“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,” says Benjamin Lechuga, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer of Technip Energies.

“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 rigour and disciplined execution that define Technip Energies.”

Any other activities that require consideration in a final investment decision will also be taken into account by all parties. 

Expanding SAF use

According to Airbus, SAF is widely recognised as the primary lever to decarbonise aviation. 

Airbus states, “Under the European Union’s (EU) ReFuelEU aviation regulation, SAF blending mandates will rise progressively reaching 6% by 2030 and 70% by 2050, driving an eightfold increase in demand between 2030 and 2050.”

The ReFuel initiative is part of the EU’s Fit for 55 package to meet the emissions reduction targets of 55% by 2030.

Key goals of the initiative include:

• A share of 70% of SAF in all EU airports by 2050
• A 1.2% share of synthetic aviation fuels in all EU airports from 2030
• By 2050, a 35% share of synthetic aviation fuels in all EU airports

"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,” says Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications of Airbus.

“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."

AtJ is an emerging aviation product that converts advanced ethanol into a scalable, cost-competitive option.

By producing advanced ethanol from agricultural and forestry residues into drop-in aviation fuel, it allows for the blending of conventional jet fuel and can be used in existing engines and aircraft.

The project development phase

In the project development phase, Technip Energies is set to act as the project’s lead developer and engineering service provider, allowing for technological scaling expertise to be brought to the table.

Airbus and Safran are joining the Rebound project as industrial partners, offtake facilitators and potential SAF off-takers.

Tereos is a European leader in ethanol production and its aim is to supply and source the advanced ethanol that is required to Rebound.

“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,” says Jérôme Bos, Chief Strategy Officer of Tereos.

“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."

Together, the joint venture is set to cover the entire value chain, from feedstock supply to aviation end use.

The partners aim to progress via a “disciplined, stage-gated development process”.

Steps ahead include selecting the technology licensor, permitting activities, launching pre-FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) and FEED activities, finalising feedstock supply and SAF offtake agreements, and securing financing for the construction of the asset.

“Developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel at scale is essential for decarbonising air transport,” says Nathalie Stubler, Chief Sustainability Officer of Safran.

“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 finalisation of the joint venture is expected to occur in the second half of 2026 and is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals.