Safran Electrical & Power Secures €14.7 Million EU Innovation Fund Grant to Scale ENGINeUS Electric Motor Production

Safran Electrical & Power Secures €14.7 Million EU Innovation Fund Grant to Scale ENGINeUS Electric Motor Production

(IN BRIEF) Safran Electrical & Power has signed a grant agreement with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency under the European Union’s Innovation Fund for the ENGINeUS PULL project. The company will receive €14.7 million to support automation and high-rate production of the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor at its Niort facility in France. Running from 2026 to the end of 2032, the project will include two semi-automated assembly lines, an integrated logistics support line, and maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities. The ENGINeUS motor was certified by EASA in 2025 and is now ready for series production, supporting Safran’s efforts in sustainable aviation and the EU’s net-zero aviation target for 2050. The motor is designed for 100% electric propulsion in two- to four-passenger aircraft, with potential derivatives for hybrid-electric regional aircraft and future defense applications. Safran said the Innovation Fund selection confirms the maturity of the technology and strengthens the company’s contribution to Europe’s industrial and environmental transition.

(PRESS RELEASE) TOULOUSE , 29-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Safran Electrical & Power has secured funding from the European Union’s Innovation Fund for its ENGINeUS PULL project, an initiative designed to industrialize and scale production of the company’s ENGINeUS 100 electric motor in France. The grant agreement was signed with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, known as CINEA, and will support the introduction of automation and high-rate manufacturing capabilities at Safran Electrical & Power’s Niort facility.

Under the agreement, Safran Electrical & Power will receive €14.7 million to advance the ENGINeUS PULL project, which will run over a seven-year period from 2026 through the end of 2032. The funding is intended to support Safran’s sustainable aviation roadmap and contribute to the European Union’s broader objective of achieving net-zero aviation by 2050.

The ENGINeUS electric motor, certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in 2025, has now reached the stage where it is ready for series production. With support from the Innovation Fund, Safran Electrical & Power is preparing to deploy two semi-automated assembly lines at the Niort site. The project will also include a dedicated integrated logistics support line, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities to support the motor’s operational lifecycle.

The planned industrial setup has been designed to combine flexibility, efficiency and production maturity. Safran Electrical & Power will apply established industrial methods inspired by the automotive sector, with the aim of supporting cost competitiveness, operational performance and reliable high-rate production. This approach is intended to help bring electric aviation technologies from certified product status into scalable manufacturing.

The ENGINeUS motor’s modular architecture allows it to be adapted for several aircraft configurations. Its primary application is 100% electric propulsion for two- to four-passenger aircraft, while derivative versions may also support distributed hybrid-electric propulsion for 19-passenger regional aircraft. Safran also sees future potential for the technology to meet performance and reliability requirements in defense-related aircraft platforms and missions.

Agnès Pronost Gilles, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Power division at Safran Electrical & Power, said selection by the Innovation Fund represents an important milestone for Safran and reinforces the company’s role in supporting Europe’s decarbonization goals and energy transition. She said the grant recognizes the maturity of the ENGINeUS electric motor and its contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of all-electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. She added that Safran is proud to support Europe’s industrial competitiveness and environmental transition objectives.

The ENGINeUS PULL project, whose name stands for ENGINeUS 100 Production and sUpport piLot Lines, marks a significant step in Safran Electrical & Power’s efforts to establish the production and support infrastructure needed for next-generation electric and hybrid-electric aviation.

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with more than 110,000 employees and revenue of 31.3 billion euros in 2025, and holds, alone or in partnership, global or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Electrical & Power is one of the world leaders in aeronautical electrical systems. Its expertise covers the entire onboard electrical chain: generation systems, distribution, converters, motors, batteries, wiring, components, and ventilation equipment. The company has more than 16,500 employees across 12 countries.

The Innovation Fund, financed by EU Emissions Trading System revenues, is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies. The Fund focuses on highly innovative clean technologies and big flagship projects with European added value that can bring significant emission and greenhouse gas reductions.

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is the implementing body for the Innovation Fund. The overall management of the Innovation Fund is handled by the European Commission – Directorate General Climate Action.

Media Contact:

Mélodie Susini
Safran Electrical & Power
+33 6 42 81 99 04
melodie.susini@safrangroup.com

SOURCE: Safran