Axens has launched the ERA project to build France's first commercial-scale plant producing sustainable aviation fuel from advanced bioethanol. The plant will have a capacity of 50,000 tonnes per year and is expected to start operations in 2030. Site selection is underway. The project uses Jetanol technology developed by Axens and IFPEN, optimized to maximize SAF yield. It aims to diversify SAF feedstock beyond used cooking oil and animal fats, using European biomass residues. Axens says this strengthens energy sovereignty for French and European aviation. The ERA project complements Axens' other low-carbon initiatives including the NACRE advanced bioethanol plant and the MACARON battery materials project. A dedicated company called SAFIRIS will carry out the project.
