Rely and Verso Energy are pleased to announce the selection of Rely to deliver the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for the DEZiR eSAF project in Petit-Couronne, Normandie, France. This major 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 EPC execution. As the first industrial scale eSAF initiative in France to reach the FEED stage and among the most advanced in Europe, 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 e-Fuels 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 sustainable aviation fuel 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 e-Fuels production plants worldwide. Together, these facilities aim to produce over 500,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel annually, with up to 90% lower lifecycle emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
Antoine Huard, CEO of Verso Energy, said "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. By partnering with Rely, we are leveraging their expertise in large-scale industrial projects and their commitment to standardization and innovation.”
Damien Eyriès, CEO of Rely, stated: “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 e-Fuels market.”
About DEZiR project
The DEZiR project integrates biogenic CO₂ capture, water electrolysis powered by renewable and low-carbon electricity, and e-methanol synthesis, followed by its conversion into e-kerosene (e-SAF) using the Methanol-to-Jet (MtJ) process —all within a single, standardized, and scalable facility designed to facilitate future deployment across Europe.
More information: https://concertation-dezir.eu/
About Choose France - France Edition
On November 17, 2025, the President of the Republic of France, the Prime Minister, and the Government will bring together French companies that have chosen France for investment in 2025 for the first edition of the "Choose France – France Edition" Summit.
For the sixth consecutive year, France is the most attractive European country for foreign investment. The Choose France Summits, organized since 2018, confirm this strong position. Building on this success, the Choose France – France Edition event will celebrate the French companies that are driving this attractiveness. These are companies whose decisions to open factories in France and to undertake projects in strategic sectors, the ecological and energy transition, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and many others, contribute to France's sovereignty, job creation, and prosperity.
The Choose France Summit – French Edition will bring together nearly 200 startups, SMEs, mid-sized companies, large corporations and private investors.