Shell licenses XTL process to ENGIE for France KerEAUzen e‑SAF project

Key highlights
  • Shell Catalysts & Technologies licensed its Shell XTL power‑to‑liquids (PTL) Process to ENGIE for the France KerEAUzen project.
  • The integrated chain uses RWGS, Fischer–Tropsch and Wax Hydroconversion to produce drop‑in aviation fuel meeting ReFuelEU Aviation requirements.
  • Feedstocks are captured biogenic CO2 and renewable (green) hydrogen to produce synthetic kerosene.
  • The Le Havre, Normandy project was selected under the ADEME Carb Aero initiative to support a European e‑SAF value chain and offers access to Paris and other major airports.
Related project For subscribers
Milestones, plant data, involved companies (owners, investors, licensors, contractors) and news — kept up to date.
ENGIE KerEAUzen e-SAF Project, Le Havre · France
FEED / Pre-FID
2023-07-25
2023
—
—
—
Operational / Completed · expected date for subscribers

Deal

Shell Catalysts & Technologies has signed a technology licence agreement with ENGIE to provide the Shell XTL Process in its power‑to‑liquids (PTL) archetype for the France KerEAUzen project, enabling conversion of CO2 into synthetic kerosene.

Process

The integrated Shell XTL Process comprises the Shell Reverse Water‑Gas Shift (RWGS) Process to convert CO2 and hydrogen into synthesis gas, followed by the Shell Fischer–Tropsch Process and the Shell Wax Hydroconversion Process to produce drop‑in aviation fuel that meets ReFuelEU Aviation requirements.

Rationale and experience

ENGIE selected Shell’s technology citing energy efficiency, technology maturity and a proven delivery track record. Shell notes the XTL Process builds on decades of gas‑to‑liquids (GTL) experience, including the Pearl integrated GTL plant.

Project context

The France KerEAUzen project is located in Le Havre, Normandy, and was selected under the ADEME Carb Aero initiative. It is presented as a key step in developing a European e‑SAF value chain, with site logistics offering strong access to Paris airports and other major European airports and hubs.

Source: Shell Catalysts & Technologies

chemXplore Weekly

The week’s project milestones and project news from the chemical industry, free every Wednesday.

Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.

Related articles

6 October 2025
Netherlands Hydrogen Platform Milestone by Shell and Eneco

The BaseLoad Power Hub arrives in Eemshaven for hydrogen research, marking progress in the Dutch energy transition and Groningen's Hydrogen Valley development.

31 August 2026
Wison New Energies and Shell Catalysts & Technologies partner to add DMR liquefaction to FLNG offerings

Adds pre‑engineered DMR liquefaction to FLNG offerings; the technology will move beyond operator‑equity projects to the wider FLNG market for the first time.

6 August 2026
Shell Catalysts & Technologies sells Environmental Catalysts & Systems assets to Lummus Technology

IP and personnel for an emissions-control business have been sold; portfolio includes DeNOx tech that can cut NOx >98–99%, with 30+ years of deployment and 300+ customers; transition support arranged.

16 October 2025
Carbon Centric Opens Norway's First Carbon Capture Facility

The Rakkestad facility captures CO₂ from waste-to-energy, producing food-grade CO₂. It highlights rapid industrial carbon capture implementation and future expansion plans.

16 July 2026
Gasunie positions the Netherlands as Europe’s CO₂ hub

Five connected CCS projects (Porthos, Aramis, CO₂next, DRC, DSC) will capture, transport and store CO₂ under the North Sea and link industry across the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.