Carbon Neutral Fuels is proposing a sustainable aviation fuel facility on the former Eastman Chemical site in West Cumbria. Project Starling would produce around 42,000 tonnes of fuel per year using captured carbon dioxide and recycled wastewater from local utilities. The project could create 150 full-time jobs and support over 500 construction roles, with operations expected to start in 2031. A public drop-in event is scheduled for October 15 at Cumbria Youth Alliance on James Street in Workington, from 3.30pm to 7pm. Residents can review the emerging plans and ask questions directly. The company has already signed a Planning Performance Agreement with Cumberland Council and secured £6 million in government funding. The fuel's actual carbon impact will depend on production details not fully covered in the announcement, especially the energy source for any hydrogen input. Still, the brownfield location and local consultation process are positive signs for a project aiming to make low carbon aviation fuel in the UK.
