Honeywell has announced that integrated energy company Verso Energy will use its UOP eFining™ methanol-to-jet processing technology to produce electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) at seven planned sites across France, Finland, and the United States.

The deal represents one of the larger eSAF technology licensing commitments to date, with a combined target capacity of approximately 200 million gallons per year across all seven facilities.

How eFining Works

Honeywell’s eFining technology converts carbon dioxide from biological sources into eSAF using renewable power and green hydrogen. The process produces electrofuels that, when blended with conventional jet fuel, function as drop-in replacements requiring no changes to existing aircraft or fuel infrastructure. Honeywell says the pathway can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 88% compared to conventional jet fuel.

A core element of the partnership is standardization. By applying a repeatable plant design across all seven sites, Verso Energy expects to reduce capital costs and compress construction timelines.

EU Funding and First Projects

Verso Energy has already secured EU Innovation Fund awards for its first two projects: DEZiR and ReSTart, among the first large-scale facilities in Europe dedicated specifically to eSAF production. The DEZiR project has also received French government funding and is expected to begin operations in 2030.

“Efficient and cost-effective eSAF production will be crucial for helping airlines comply with regional adoption requirements,” said Antoine Huard, CEO of Verso Energy. “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.”

Barry Glickman, VP of Honeywell Low Carbon Energy, added: “With our eFining technology, companies like Verso Energy can use abundant carbon dioxide as feedstock, making eSAF production scalable and less carbon intensive.”

Regulatory Context

The EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation includes a dedicated sub-mandate for synthetic fuels, requiring aviation fuel supply to contain at least 35% eSAF by 2050 — creating a distinct, protected market for electrofuel producers like Verso Energy.