Project Starling, located in Workington, UK, will convert captured carbon dioxide into synthetic kerosene using green hydrogen produced by 120MW of solid oxide electrolysers from 2031.

Within this process, JM’s FT Cans Fischer-Tropsch technology – which was jointly developed with BP – will convert captured CO2 and green hydrogen into synthetic crude oil. This will then be upgraded by Honeywell’s Fischer-Tropsch Unicracking technology.

The resulting synthetic kerosene will be blended with conventional jet fuel to produce SAF. CNF says it is engaging with airlines, fuel suppliers, and partners to develop long-term offtake agreements.

Backed by £6m in funding from the UK government through its Advanced Fuels Fund, construction of Project Starling is expected to enter construction in 2028, followed by the first operations in 2031. CNF is yet to take final investment decision.

Project Startling advances amidst firms rolling out SAF projects to satisfy demand driven by policy mandates. The UK’s SAF mandate requires power-to-liquid fuels to make up 0.2% of fuels supplied at airports from 2028, increasing to 4.5% by 2040.