Honeywell announced that Verso Energy, an integrated energy company focused on low-carbon molecules, will deploy Honeywell UOP’s eFining™ methanol-to-jet technology to produce electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF). Verso Energy plans to install the technology at seven production sites across France, Finland, and the United States. By leveraging Honeywell’s advanced process solutions and standardized plant design, the company aims to reduce capital expenditure, accelerate project timelines, and expand global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capacity.
Advanced eFining™ Technology to Scale eSAF Production
Honeywell’s eFining™ technology converts carbon dioxide from biological sources, renewable electricity, and hydrogen into electrofuels (eFuels), including eSAF. When blended with conventional jet fuel, eSAF acts as a drop-in replacement, requiring no modifications to existing aircraft engines or fuel infrastructure.
Importantly, eSAF can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 88% compared to conventional jet fuel, making it a critical solution for decarbonizing the aviation sector. As a result, the collaboration will enable Verso Energy to produce approximately 200 million gallons of eSAF annually across its planned facilities.
Supporting EU ReFuel Aviation Targets
The European Commission’s ReFuel EU Aviation initiative will sharply increase demand for eSAF by mandating that aviation fuel suppliers include at least 35% eSAF in their fuel mix by 2050. Antoine Huard, CEO of Verso Energy, emphasized, “Efficient and cost-effective eSAF production will be crucial for helping airlines comply with regional adoption requirements. Honeywell’s proven SAF technology paired with our standardized design approach will enable us to quickly scale production capabilities and bring additional eSAF to the market sooner, helping to meet growing global demand.” Therefore, the partnership directly aligns with Europe’s climate goals while strengthening energy security and supply chain resilience.
Addressing Cost and Feedstock Challenges
Barry Glickman, Vice President of Honeywell Low Carbon Energy, highlighted, “Honeywell’s innovative SAF technology portfolio is designed to address two of the biggest challenges in renewable fuel production—cost and feedstock availability. With our eFining technology, companies like Verso Energy can use abundant carbon dioxide as feedstock, making eSAF production scalable and less carbon intensive.”
Moreover, continuous advancements in Honeywell’s process technologies are reducing the cost premium typically associated with renewable fuels. Improvements in plant size optimization, production efficiency, utility consumption, and project execution timelines are helping make large-scale SAF production commercially viable.
EU Innovation Fund Backs First Large-Scale Projects
Verso Energy has already secured support from the European Union Innovation Fund for its first two projects — DEZiR and ReSTart. These facilities will rank among Europe’s first large-scale plants dedicated exclusively to eSAF production. In addition, the DEZiR project has received funding from the French government and is expected to deliver some of the earliest volumes of eSAF when it begins operations in 2030.
Accelerating the Global Transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel
As global aviation intensifies its decarbonization efforts, scalable eSAF production will play a pivotal role in reducing emissions. The collaboration combines Honeywell’s process innovation with Verso Energy’s integrated project execution strategy. It aims to accelerate the commercialization of electro-sustainable aviation fuel. According to the press release, the partnership strengthens global SAF supply and supports regulatory compliance. It also advances the aviation industry’s transition toward a lower-carbon future.
