UK Carbon Neutral Fuels' Project Starling Enters Pre-Planning Phase for 31,000-Tonne SAF Production

en.Wedoany.com Reported - UK sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) developer Carbon Neutral Fuels has signed a Planning Performance Agreement with Cumberland Council, officially entering the pre-planning phase for its "Project Starling." The project has previously completed the FEL3A engineering milestone and secured government support.

Engineering work has increased the planned production capacity to approximately 31,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) per year. Once operational, the plant is expected to create 100 to 150 skilled jobs in West Cumbria.

The project is working to secure timely grid access; National Grid and Electricity North West will explore innovative solutions to accelerate grid connection. Cumbria MP Josh MacAlister has actively raised grid delay issues with ministerial officials, helping secure the previous £6 million in government funding and continuing to mention the project to ministers during the government's review of long-term SAF policy.

"Project Starling" is part of West Cumbria's clean energy investment pipeline, which also includes the proposed Pioneer Park nuclear power station and investments in the Port of Workington. Supporters say these projects will attract private investment and promote local revitalization, but also note that further preparation is needed before construction begins.