This article is based on an official press release from Honeywell and additional project documentation.

Honeywell and Verso Energy Partner to Deploy eSAF Technology Across Seven Global Sites

CHARLOTTE, N.C., In a significant move to scale the production of SAF, Honeywell announced on February 24, 2026, that Verso Energy has selected its UOP eFining™ technology for seven planned production facilities. The agreement covers projects in France, Finland, and the United States, aiming to produce low-carbon electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) to meet growing regulatory demands.

According to the announcement, Verso Energy, an integrated energy company specializing in low-carbon molecules, will utilize Honeywell’s methanol-to-jet (MTJ) processing solution. Once fully operational, these facilities are projected to produce approximately 200 million gallons of eSAF annually. The partnership leverages Honeywell’s standardized design to reduce capital expenditures and accelerate the timeline for bringing these fuels to market.

Scaling Methanol-to-Jet Technology

The core of this Partnerships is Honeywell’s UOP eFining™ technology, which converts eMethanol, produced from carbon dioxide captured from biological sources and green Hydrogen, into sustainable aviation fuel. This process allows for the creation of “drop-in” fuels that require no modifications to aircraft engines or existing airport infrastructure.

Honeywell reports that eSAF produced through this method can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 88% compared to conventional jet fuel. Barry Glickman, Vice President of Honeywell Low Carbon Energy, emphasized the strategic importance of feedstock flexibility in a company statement:

“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.”

By utilizing biogenic CO2 rather than lipid-based feedstocks (such as waste oils) used in other SAF production methods, the partnership aims to bypass supply constraints that often limit the scalability of renewable fuels.

Strategic Locations and Project Details

The seven planned facilities are strategically located to leverage local industrial infrastructure and renewable energy sources. According to project details released alongside the announcement, the portfolio includes four sites in France, two in Finland, and one in the United States.

European Expansion

In France, Verso Energy is advancing four projects, including the flagship “DEZiR” project in Petit-Couronne (Normandie) and “ReSTart” in Tartas. Both projects have received support from the EU Innovation Fund. The DEZiR facility is expected to be among the first large-scale eSAF plants in Europe, with operations targeted to begin in 2030.

In Finland, facilities are planned for the Port of Oulu and Tornio. These sites were selected for their access to biogenic CO2 from the forestry industry and the availability of renewable electricity required for green hydrogen production.

United States Market Entry

The partnership also marks Verso Energy’s expansion into the U.S. market, with a facility planned for Jesup, Georgia. Similar to the Finnish sites, this location offers access to forestry byproducts and renewable power potential.

Regulatory Drivers and Market Demand

The acceleration of these projects is heavily influenced by the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation initiative. This regulation mandates that aviation fuel suppliers blend increasing amounts of SAF into their supply, with a specific sub-mandate requiring synthetic fuels (like eSAF) to comprise at least 35% of the fuel mix by 2050.

Antoine Huard, CEO of Verso Energy, highlighted the necessity of cost efficiency in meeting these mandates:

“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.”

AirPro News Analysis

The collaboration between Honeywell and Verso Energy highlights a critical pivot in the sustainable aviation sector: the shift from HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) to Power-to-Liquid (PtL) solutions. While HEFA currently dominates the SAF market, it is constrained by the finite supply of waste oils and fats. eSAF, derived from CO2 and hydrogen, offers theoretically unlimited scalability, provided that renewable electricity is abundant and affordable.

However, the economic viability of eSAF remains a hurdle due to high energy costs. Honeywell’s emphasis on a “standardized design” suggests a strategy focused on modularity to drive down CAPEX, a necessary step if eSAF is to compete with conventional jet fuel without relying entirely on heavy subsidies. The geographic spread of these plants, particularly the entry into Georgia, USA, indicates that Verso is hedging its bets across different regulatory environments, anticipating that the U.S. may eventually adopt synthetic fuel incentives similar to Europe’s ReFuelEU.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eSAF?
eSAF (electro-sustainable aviation fuel) is a synthetic fuel made by combining green hydrogen (produced via electrolysis using renewable energy) and captured carbon dioxide. It is chemically similar to fossil-based jet fuel but has a significantly lower carbon footprint.

When will these facilities be operational?
The first major facility, Project DEZiR in France, is scheduled to enter operation in 2030. Timelines for the other six facilities will follow based on permitting and construction schedules.

Does eSAF require new airplanes?
No. eSAF is a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft engines and fuel infrastructure.

Sources:
Honeywell Press Release,
Verso Energy Corporate Data