Verso Energy awards FEED contract to Rely for DEZiR eSAF project
- Verso Energy
- 1h
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Verso Energy announced Nov. 17 its selection of Rely to deliver the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the DEZiR electro sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) project in Petit-Couronne, Normandie, France.
This step follows the memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year and marks a significant milestone in the technical development of DEZiR, providing the level of definition needed to de-risk the project and pave the way towards engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) execution.
As the first industrial-scale eSAF initiative in France to reach the FEED stage and among the most advanced in Europe, according to Verso Energy, DEZiR underscores the strategic importance of advancing innovative solutions to decarbonize the aviation sector.
The announcement comes during the “Choose France” event, a platform that highlights France’s commitment to fostering innovation and attracting investment, particularly in strategic sectors like the energy transition.
The DEZiR project represents a major investment in France, highlighting the country’s pivotal role in advancing the eFuels sector and fostering local expertise and innovation.
Selected under the 2024 European Innovation Fund, the EU’s flagship program supporting industrial decarbonization, as well as under the France 2030 program, DEZiR focuses on developing a standardized and replicable platform for methanol-to-jet production.
This approach is designed to drive down the levelized cost of SAF through innovation, standardization and replication, ensuring the scalability and competitiveness of eSAF production.
The project is part of a broader initiative by Verso Energy to develop with Rely seven eFuels production plants worldwide.
Together, these facilities aim to produce over 500,000 tons of SAF annually, with up to 90 percent lower lifecycle emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
“We are on track to meet the 2030 targets for eSAF in aviation and starting the FEED of the DEZiR project is a critical step in our journey and a significant investment,” said Verso Energy CEO Antoine Huard. “By partnering with Rely, we are leveraging their expertise in large-scale industrial projects and their commitment to standardization and innovation.”
Rely CEO Damien Eyriès added, “The award of the FEED contract for the DEZiR project is a testament to the strong partnership between Rely and Verso Energy. This milestone reflects Rely’s unique expertise in Power-to-X integration and our ability to deliver innovative, scalable and competitive solutions for our clients. We are proud to contribute to a project that not only accelerates the decarbonization of aviation but also positions France as a leader in the global eFuels market.”
The DEZiR project integrates biogenic CO2 capture, water electrolysis powered by renewable and low-carbon electricity, and eMethanol synthesis, followed by its conversion into eKerosene (eSAF) using the methanol-to-jet (MTJ) process—all within a single, standardized and scalable facility designed to facilitate future deployment across Europe.
