In the UK, Carbon Neutral Fuels Ltd (CNF), a leading UK-based developer of sustainable e-fuels, has announced the selection of Johnson Matthey (JM) and bp’s "FT CANS" technology and Honeywell UOP’s Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Unicracking process technology for its flagship Power-to-Liquid eFuels facility in Workington.
The project, known as Project Starling, will convert captured carbon dioxide and water into synthetic kerosene (FT-SPK), which, when blended with conventional jet fuel, will produce up to 25,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually.
Construction is planned to begin in 2028, with production targeted for 2031. Project Starling represents a major step forward for the UK’s electro-fuels (eFuels) sector and is the first project in the country to evaluate the use of wastewater as a feedstock for SAF production.
Integrate complementary technologies
Johnson Matthey and bp’s FT CANS technology converts synthesis gas derived from captured carbon dioxide (CO2) into a synthetic crude oil.
This intermediate product is then upgraded using Honeywell’s FT Unicracking technology to produce synthetic kerosene suitable for blending with SAF.
Project Starling is central to Carbon Neutral Fuels’ mission to prove that large-scale decarbonisation of aviation is both technically and economically viable. By working with world-class technology partners such as Honeywell and Johnson Matthey, we are building a facility capable of delivering more than 95 percent lifecycle emissions savings compared with conventional jet fuel, while helping to establish the UK as a leader in sustainable e-fuels, said Sophie Zienkiewicz, Co-founder of Carbon Neutral Fuels.
The carbon intensity values presented are based on the project’s latest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions calculation, which was reviewed and verified by the Department for Transport during a recent Advanced Fuels Fund stage‑gate assessment.
These values are benchmarked against the UK SAF Mandate’s fossil jet fuel baseline of 89 gCO₂e/MJ, applied under the legally binding mandatein force since January 2025.
The collaboration brings together complementary technologies designed to support efficient, scalable SAF production as global demand accelerates.
Deploying FT CANS technology at Project Starling demonstrates how advanced process and catalyst solutions can enable the next generation of sustainable aviation fuels. Working alongside Carbon Neutral Fuels and Honeywell highlights how collaboration across the value chain can help accelerate the transition to lower carbon aviation, said Alberto Giovanzana, Managing Director, Licensing at Johnson Matthey.
Develop long-term eSAF offtakes
With global SAF demand projected to grow from 344 million gallons to 7.6 billion gallons over the next decade, Carbon Neutral Fuels is actively engaging with airlines, fuel suppliers, and strategic partners to develop long-term offtake agreements and joint development opportunities.
Honeywell’s FT Unicracking technology is designed to provide flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effective upgrading of synthetic feedstocks into high-quality transportation fuels. We are pleased to support Carbon Neutral Fuels as it advances Project Starling and contributes to the expansion of sustainable aviation fuel production, said Rajesh Gattupalli, President of Honeywell UOP.
