- Essar Energy Transition completed Pre‑FEED for the Stanlow Methanol‑to‑Jet SAF hub with Genesis as Pre‑FEED contractor and part‑funded by up to £2.5m from the DfT Advanced Fuel Fund.
- Planned MtJ plant will convert ~550,000 tpa renewable e‑methanol and bio‑methanol into >200,000 tpa sustainable aviation fuel.
- Co‑located at Stanlow refinery for on‑site SAF blending and direct distribution via Manchester Jet, Midlands and UKOP pipelines plus existing road and marine routes.
- FEED is planned later this year with Final Investment Decision targeted by early 2028 and participation sought in the UK SAF Revenue Certainty Mechanism.
Project overview
Essar Energy Transition completed Pre‑FEED for the Stanlow Methanol‑to‑Jet (MtJ) facility; the plant is designed to convert ~550,000 tpa renewable e‑methanol and bio‑methanol into >200,000 tpa sustainable aviation fuel; Pre‑FEED was delivered on time and on budget with Genesis as contractor and part‑funded by up to £2.5m from the DfT Advanced Fuel Fund.
Site integration and logistics
The MtJ unit will be co‑located within the Stanlow refinery to enable on‑site SAF blending with conventional jet fuel and direct distribution via existing export infrastructure including the Manchester Jet, Midlands and UKOP pipelines plus road and marine routes; use of Stanlow Terminals’ import and storage capacity is expected to reduce capital expenditure and secure competitive low‑CI methanol supply.
Pre‑FEED findings
The study identified Stanlow Manufacturing Complex as suitable, found no material permitting barriers, noted strong interest in renewable methanol supply, and highlighted integration opportunities to lower cost and carbon intensity; Essar Energy Transition Fuels intends to underpin full SAF offtake in line with anticipated mandate needs.
Next steps and context
The project targets participation in the UK SAF Revenue Certainty Mechanism, plans FEED later this year and aims for Final Investment Decision by early 2028; the plant is positioned to contribute to the UK SAF Mandate target of 22% jet fuel by 2040.
