A planned sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in Workington, Cumbria, has entered the pre-planning stage. Called Project Starling, it aims to produce 25,000 tonnes of eSAF annually using power-to-liquid technology that converts renewable electricity and carbon dioxide into synthetic crude oil. The developer, Carbon Neutral Fuels, expects the facility to be operational by 2031 and create 100 to 150 skilled jobs. The project received a GBP 6 million government grant secured by local MP Josh MacAlister. A key hurdle has been securing a faster grid connection, which MacAlister says he has worked to address with government colleagues. The facility would be located near the Port of Workington, which Cumberland Council is also investing in to boost regional trade and clean energy infrastructure. If built, Project Starling would be one of the UK's first commercial eSAF plants. Sustainable aviation fuel is seen as a critical tool for cutting aviation emissions, though production volumes remain small compared to global jet fuel demand. The project's success will depend on timely grid upgrades, final engineering design, and planning approval.
