Dunkirk at the forefront of sustainable aviation: a major industrial project for the fuels of the future

The Port of Dunkirk is preparing to host one of Europe’s most ambitious projects in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Technip Energies, Airbus, Safran, and Tereos have announced the upcoming creation of the Rebound joint venture, which aims to develop a large-scale sustainable aviation fuel production facility in the Hauts-de-France region.

The objective is clear: to produce up to 160 000 tonnes of SAF per year using Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) technology, making the future Dunkirk facility one of the largest production units of its kind in Europe.

A Response to the Challenges of Aviation Decarbonization

The aviation sector faces a major challenge: significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining growth. Sustainable aviation fuels are currently considered one of the most effective solutions to achieve this goal. Under the European ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, SAF blending mandates will reach 6% by 2030 and gradually increase to 70% by 2050.

The technology selected by Rebound is based on converting advanced ethanol, produced in part from agricultural and forestry residues, into aviation fuel compatible with existing aircraft engines and infrastructure. This approach enables a faster energy transition without requiring major modifications to current fleets.

Why Was Dunkirk Chosen for This Strategic Project?

The decision to locate the project at the Port of Dunkirk is no coincidence. The industrial platform offers major logistical advantages for sourcing raw materials and distributing the fuels produced. It also benefits from an environment that is highly conducive to the development of new industrial sectors linked to the energy transition.

Beyond its local economic benefits, Rebound is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Europe’s energy sovereignty. By developing an integrated value chain from ethanol production to final use in aviation the four partners aim to establish a fully European industry capable of meeting the growing demand for sustainable aviation fuels.

Who Are the Key Players Behind the Rebound Project?

Each partner brings complementary expertise:

• Technip Energies will oversee project development and engineering activities.
• Airbus and Safran will contribute to market development and could become future users of the fuels produced.
• Tereos will secure the supply of advanced ethanol through its recognized expertise in biofuels.

This collaboration demonstrates the ability of French and European industrial leaders to develop concrete solutions that accelerate the energy transition while strengthening their competitiveness.

A New Milestone for the Regional Energy Transition

For the Hauts-de-France region and the Dunkirk area, this project further confirms the region’s position as a major hub for industrial decarbonization. Following significant investments in electric batteries, hydrogen, and renewable energy, the arrival of Rebound strengthens an ecosystem that is rapidly evolving toward a more sustainable and job-creating industrial model.

If the regulatory and financial milestones are successfully completed in the coming months, the joint venture is expected to be officially finalized during the second half of 2026, paving the way for one of the most strategic infrastructures for the future of sustainable aviation in Europe.

For more information, please refer to the official press release.