Shell Catalysts & Technologies to license Shell XTL process to Engie for KerEAUzen eSAF project in France

Shell Catalysts & Technologies announced in June that it has signed a technology-license agreement with energy provider Engie for the France KerEAUzen project, which aims to produce synthetic aviation fuel (eSAF) from captured biogenic CO2 and green hydrogen.

Under the agreement, Shell Catalysts & Technologies will license its Shell XTL process technology in its power-to-liquids (PTL) archetype, enabling Engie to convert CO2 into synthetic kerosene.

“XTL” stands for “X-to-liquids” where “X” refers to feedstocks that are renewable or have a lower carbon intensity than conventional fossil sources.

This integrated process includes the Shell reverse water‑gas shift (RWGS) process, which converts CO2 and hydrogen into synthesis gas, followed by the Shell Fischer-Tropsch process and the Shell wax-hydroconversion process to produce drop‑in aviation fuel meeting ReFuelEU aviation requirements.

Engie selected Shell’s technology based on its energy efficiency, technology maturity and proven delivery track record.

The Shell XTL process builds on Shell’s decades of experience in developing, designing, constructing and operating gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities, including Pearl, the world’s largest integrated GTL plant.

The France KerEAUzen project, located in Le Havre, Normandy, was selected under the ADEME Carb Aero initiative and represents a key step in developing a European eSAF value chain in France and Europe.

Its location provides strong access for aviation fuel to Paris airports as well as to other major European airports and logistics hubs.

“France KerEAUzen shows how the aviation-energy transition is moving from ambition to reality with scalable, drop-in fuels produced at industrial scale,” said Elise H. Nowee, the president of Shell Catalysts & Technologies. “Through the Shell XTL process, our collaboration with Engie is helping accelerate the transition to lower-carbon aviation.”

Pierre Chambon, Engie’s managing director of renewable gases, added, “The conversion of CO2 into aviation fuel requires the integration of complex and reliable technologies. Shell’s XTL process, combined with its operational experience and proven technology, gives us confidence as we progress the France KerEAUzen project towards industrial deployment.”