Technip Energies invests in Verso’s DEZiR eSAF project, advancing carbon capture, scalable fuel production, and Europe’s aviation decarbonization goals by 2030.
Technip Energies has entered into a strategic agreement with Verso Energy to acquire a minority equity stake in the DEZiR project, a pioneering synthetic aviation fuel (eSAF) facility being developed in Rouen, France. This investment underlines Technip Energies’ commitment to advancing low-carbon energy solutions and supporting large-scale industrial decarbonization initiatives. The DEZiR project has already received recognition under the France 2030 program as well as the European Innovation Fund, highlighting its importance in driving innovation and sustainability within the aviation sector.
As part of its involvement, Technip Energies will deploy its advanced carbon capture technology, known as Canopy by T.EN™, which is powered by Shell CANSOLV. This solution will enable the capture of biogenic carbon dioxide emissions from nearby industrial sources. The captured CO2 will then be utilized as a key input in the production of eSAF, contributing to a circular carbon economy and reducing the overall carbon footprint of aviation fuel production. In addition to this technological contribution, Rely — a joint venture between Technip Energies and John Cockerill specializing in Power-to-X solutions — is responsible for executing the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for the project.
Both Verso Energy and Rely share a strategic vision centered on standardization and scalability. Their objective is to establish the DEZiR project as a reference model for future eSAF facilities, not only in France but also across international markets. This approach is expected to streamline project development, reduce costs, and accelerate deployment timelines for similar plants globally.
The collaboration between the two companies dates back to November 2025, when the initial FEED contract for the Rouen plant was signed. Once operational, which is targeted around 2030, the facility is expected to produce approximately 80,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel annually. This production capacity will play a significant role in enhancing France’s energy independence while also contributing to broader European climate goals.
Furthermore, Verso Energy has entered into a dedicated partnership with Rely to expand its eSAF development portfolio. This includes seven planned facilities located in Rouen, Épinal, Saillat-sur-Vienne, and Tartas in France, as well as in Oulu and Tornio in Finland, and Jesup, Georgia in the United States. The aim is to replicate the successful design and operational model of the DEZiR plant across these locations, thereby maximizing efficiency, reducing capital expenditure, and accelerating time-to-market.
Technip Energies CEO Arnaud Pieton emphasized that the investment reflects the company’s ambition to support the creation of a robust European e-fuels value chain. He noted that DEZiR is among the most advanced eSAF projects currently underway in Europe and exemplifies the company’s focus on standardized, scalable solutions. Meanwhile, Verso Energy’s President and co-founder Xavier Caitucoli highlighted that Technip Energies’ involvement validates the project’s technical and financial strength, reinforcing confidence in its successful execution and long-term impact.
