Shell Catalysts & Technologies has signed a technology license agreement with ENGIE for the France KerEAUzen project, a major initiative aimed at producing synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) from captured biogenic CO2 and renewable hydrogen in France.

 

The agreement will see Shell license its Shell XTL Process technology in its power-to-liquids (PTL) configuration, enabling ENGIE to convert captured carbon dioxide into synthetic kerosene. 

 

The integrated technology combines Shell’s Reverse Water-Gas Shift (RWGS) Process, Fischer-Tropsch Process and Wax Hydroconversion Process to produce drop-in aviation fuel that meets ReFuelEU Aviation requirements.

 

The project marks a significant step in scaling up low-carbon aviation fuels in Europe as airlines and fuel producers face mounting pressure to reduce emissions and meet increasingly stringent sustainability targets.

 

ENGIE selected Shell’s technology based on its energy efficiency, maturity and proven commercial track record. The Shell XTL Process leverages decades of experience gained through Shell’s gas-to-liquids operations, including Pearl, the world’s largest integrated GTL plant.

 

Located in Le Havre, Normandy, the France KerEAUzen project was selected under the ADEME Carb Aero initiative and is expected to play a key role in establishing a European e-SAF value chain. Its strategic location provides efficient access to Paris airports and other major aviation and logistics hubs across Europe.

 

Elise H. Nowee, President, Shell Catalysts & Technologies, said: "France KerEAUzen shows how the aviation energy transition is moving from ambition to reality with scalable, drop-in fuels produced at industrial scale. Through the Shell XTL Process, our collaboration with ENGIE is helping accelerate the transition to lower-carbon aviation."

 

Pierre Chambon, Managing Director, Renewable Gases, ENGIE, 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."

 

The project underscores growing momentum behind power-to-liquids technology, which uses renewable electricity and captured carbon to create synthetic fuels capable of reducing lifecycle emissions while remaining compatible with existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure.

 

Shell Catalysts & Technologies is expanding its portfolio of decarbonisation technologies across biofuels, carbon capture and low-carbon hydrogen, while ENGIE continues to invest heavily in renewable energy and energy transition infrastructure as part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.