Project Starling
Carbon Neutral Fuels Ltd is proposing to construct a new facility in Siddick, north of Workington. We are excited to share our plans with you.
Welcome
Carbon Neutral Fuels is working with the land owner on a previously developed site in Siddick and is in the early stages of preparing plans for a new facility to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF.
We will have much more to share over the coming weeks and months, as we look to build on Cumbria’s proud heritage of energy innovation. In the meantime, you can learn more about the challenges the aviation industry faces on emissions and how SAF can help.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to the team using the form and contact details here.
Overview
Project Starling is exploring the development of a next-generation SAF facility in West Cumbria, supporting the transition to cleaner flight and a lower-carbon aviation sector. The project will use British feedstocks and improve the UK’s fuel security by reducing our reliance on imports.
Aviation plays a vital role in the UK economy and in connecting people and markets, yet we currently import over 70% of our aviation fuel. Demand for air travel is expected to increase, while the industry also faces the challenge of reducing emissions at pace. Sustainable aviation fuel is widely recognised as one of the most credible routes to achieving near-term emissions reductions, particularly for long-haul flight where alternatives are limited.
Our proposals focus on the production of synthetic aviation fuel made using renewable electricity, captured carbon dioxide and water. The fuel would be compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, and capable of delivering substantial reductions in lifecycle carbon emissions. Crucially, the process produces no atmospheric pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are plans for this site?
The plans seek to regenerate an underutilised brownfield site through the development of a facility that will produce eSAF to support the aviation sector.
The plans will include a new purpose built facility, creating new jobs in the area and securing significant investment in West Cumbria.
Why is this scheme needed?
The aviation sector is facing a major national challenge: by 2040, it is projected to generate around 25% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. To stay on track with the country’s climate commitments, the production of sustainable aviation fuel is critical. This scheme will play a vital role in meeting these targets, helping the UK transition to cleaner energy and supporting the long-term decarbonisation of air travel.
What stage is the project currently at?
The project is in the early engineering design phase, and we are working with local stakeholders including Cumberland Council, as we develop our plans.
Our approach is to be open and transparent, and we will keep the community updated as the project progresses.
Will there be a chance to have my say?
Absolutely. We will be conducting a thorough public consultation exercise ahead of submitting a planning application.
The details of this will be confirmed in due course.
I have more questions, who should I ask?
As more information is available, we will be updating this website so please check back regularly.
In the meantime, you can use the form below to reach the team or email us at projectstarling@havingyoursay.co.uk
What will this mean for local people?
This is a positive opportunity for Workington and Siddick. The proposals for the site will provide new opportunities and generate long term skilled jobs in a range of sectors. Alongside permanent employment, the scheme will inject substantial investment into the area, supporting local businesses, supply chains, and construction jobs along the way.
We are in the process of developing a social impact strategy to maximise these opportunities. Whether you are a local resident, community organisation, business, or education provider, your insight will help shape the future of this strategy. If you have ideas or would like to explore opportunities to work with us, we would love to hear from you at Yasmin@carbonneutralfuels.com
Will there be air pollution?
As this is an synthetic SAF plant, it uses recycled carbon dioxide and green hydrogen to make clean aviation fuel. The process doesn’t emit atmospherics.
How green is this fuel?
CNF’s Aviation Fuel will achieve a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to
conventional Jet A-1. This means that for every one tonne of CNF’s fuel burned in planes, it
will reduce emissions by 95% compared to if the plane was flying on traditional fossil fuel.
How does this project help protect the UK’s fuel security?
The UK imports upwards of 70% of its aviation fuel, which means conflict across the globe can impact us at home. Producing aviation fuel in the UK using only British feedstocks will make our transport systems more resilient.
I'm a local supplier/contractor interested in being considered for this project
The project is still in early stages but we’re encouraged by the interest from local businesses. We are collating a list of interested local businesses to pass on to our EPC provider. Click here to be added to the list.
Get In Touch
Use the form to contact the project team with any questions you have.
Additionally, you can use the details below:
- Email: projectstarling@havingyoursay.co.uk
About Us
Project Starling is being delivered by Carbon Neutral Fuels Ltd. We are a UK based business, and you can learn all about us, our team and our values by visiting our website by clicking here.