Carbon Neutral Fuels' Project Starling completes FEL3A, advancing UK eSAF deployment
- Carbon Neutral Fuels, io consulting and Mission Zero completed FEL3A, delivering an integrated facility design, key safety studies and a Class 3 cost estimate.
- Target capacity: ~25,000 tpa eSAF by 2031, equating to roughly 35-40% of the UK's Power-to-Liquid SAF 2030 mandate.
- Product: synthetic hydrocarbons produced from captured CO2 (DAC), water and low-carbon electricity, targeting ~95% lifecycle GHG reduction vs Jet A-1.
- Development backed by the UK Department for Transport Advanced Fuels Fund (Window 3) and prior development funding.
FEL3A completion
Carbon Neutral Fuels, io consulting and Mission Zero Technologies completed FEL3A for Project Starling, advancing the Workington-based eSAF project into a higher technical definition by integrating licensor technology into a single facility design, completing key safety studies and producing a detailed 3D plant model.
Cost estimate and deliverability
The work produced a robust Class 3 cost estimate and increased confidence in project deliverability for this first-of-a-kind facility by embedding capital efficiency and constructability considerations early in design.
Production, feedstocks and emissions
Project Starling targets up to 25,000 tonnes per annum of synthetic hydrocarbons by 2031, produced from captured CO2 (including DAC), water and low‑carbon electricity, with an expected ~95% lifecycle GHG reduction versus conventional Jet A‑1; this capacity would meet roughly 35–40% of the UK’s Power‑to‑Liquid SAF supply mandate for 2030.
Funding and delivery focus
Development has been supported in part by the UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund (Window 3) alongside prior funding, and prioritised alignment of technology, project development and delivery expertise across partners to translate design into a deliverable facility.
Source: CNF