Carbon Neutral Fuels' Project Starling enters pre‑planning at Workington
- Carbon Neutral Fuels has signed a Planning Performance Agreement with Cumberland Council to begin formal pre‑planning for Project Starling.
- Planned output has increased to around 31,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel per year.
- The facility is expected to support between 100 and 150 skilled jobs in West Cumbria.
- The project secured £6 million of UK government funding last year and completed engineering milestone FEL3A, enabling further development.
Progress to pre‑planning
Carbon Neutral Fuels has signed a Planning Performance Agreement with Cumberland Council, marking the start of the formal pre‑planning process for Project Starling. The move follows completion of engineering milestone FEL3A and earlier government support.
Capacity and jobs
Engineering work has increased the planned output to around 31,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) per year. Once operational, the plant is expected to support between 100 and 150 skilled jobs in West Cumbria.
Grid connection and stakeholder support
The project is working to secure a timely electricity grid connection; National Grid and Electricity North West will explore innovative ways to connect the site sooner. MP Josh MacAlister has actively pressed ministers on grid delays, helped secure the earlier £6 million backing and continues to raise the project with ministers as the government reviews long‑term SAF policy.
Regional context
Project Starling is presented as part of a growing clean energy investment pipeline in West Cumbria, alongside proposed new nuclear at Pioneer Park and investment in the Port of Workington, which backers say will attract private investment and support local regeneration. Backers note further work is required before construction can begin.
Source: CNF