Rely secures engineering-studies contract with H4 Marseille Fos for European eSAF hub

From left, Martinez and Eyriès. (Photo: Rely)

Rely S.A. announced Oct. 9 that it has been awarded to assist H4 Marseille Fos in early engineering studies to solidify plant definition and support permitting for a landmark project dedicated to producing electro sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) in Fos-sur-Mer, Bouches du Rhône, France.

This initiative aims to position the industrial-port zone as a European hub for hydrogen and eSAF production, supporting France’s and Europe’s decarbonization ambitions.

Seventy-five thousand tons of eSAF will be produced annually from green hydrogen produced by 300-megawatt (MW) water electrolyzers, and from captured CO2, with first production expected in 2030.

The company said this project exemplifies a significant step toward reindustrializing France in line with Europe’s ambition for sustainable aviation.

A key aspect of the project is the potential of methanol-to-jet fuel synthesis pathway, which offers a promising route for decarbonizing aviation, Rely stated.

Methanol, produced from green hydrogen and captured carbon, will be converted into high-quality jet fuel, providing a scalable solution that can be used without modifying aircraft.

Aligned with European objectives to incorporate 10 percent eSAF into aviation fuels by 2040, as outlined in the ReFuelEU aviation regulation, this project underscores France and Europe’s commitment to a cleaner, more competitive aviation sector, according to Rely.

“Following early-stage engineering studies, the project demonstrates Rely’s leadership in integrating electrolysis and gas-to-liquid technologies,” the company stated. “Rely brings a strong track record and foundation of technological excellence and project execution capability, ensuring the delivery of state-of-the-art solutions.”

Studies will also integrate technological providers for CO2-to-methanol and methanol-to-jet technological bricks, Rely added.

The studies conducted will pave and accelerate the way for potential front-end engineering design (FEED) study.

H4 Marseille Fos is considered as the leading eSAF project in the Mediterranean area, according to Rely.

Its connection to the European-pipeline network makes it an ideal location to serve Southern and Eastern France, as well as the Mediterranean basin and airports in the rest of Europe.

“H4 Marseille Fos is strongly supported at regional level as a levy for the decarbonization of local industry,” Rely stated. “Such collaboration between Rely and H4 Marseille Fos, through its parent companies H2V and Hy2gen, is envisioned to support a sustainable and competitive aviation fuel supply chain, leveraging partnerships as catalysts for the development of green hydrogen and its derivatives.”

Supported by Région Sud, Marseille Provence Airport and Vinci Airports, the initiative exemplifies a collaborative ecosystem approach to innovation and sustainability in aviation.

“This project marks a strategic milestone for Rely, reinforcing our position as a leading expert in eSAF and hydrogen solutions and showcasing our innovative efforts to deliver and de-risk the energy transition in Europe,” said Rely CEO Damien Eyriès. “Leveraging our engineering expertise and our standardization approach, we are committed to advancing this landmark project towards next development stages, therefore with the aim of accelerating its final-investment decision.”

Alexis Martinez with H4 Marseille Fos added, “This agreement is materializing the structured and robust process of project development implemented by H4 Marseille Fos with major technical players of the sector. Appointing Rely to lead the technical feasibility study of our iconic project marks an important milestone in our development. Their recognized expertise will help us secure the technical choices and move forward with confidence toward the implementation of this strategic project.”