Carbon Neutral Fuels (CNF), a UK-based leader in sustainable e-fuels, has selected Johnson Matthey (JM) and bp’s FT CANS technology along with Honeywell UOP’s Fischer-Tropsch Unicracking process for its flagship Power-to-Liquid facility in Workington, UK.

 

Dubbed Project Starling, the initiative will transform captured carbon dioxide and water into synthetic kerosene (FT-SPK), which, when blended with conventional jet fuel, is expected to generate up to 25,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) per year.

 

Construction is slated to start in 2028, with production aimed for 2031. The project marks a major milestone for the UK’s e-fuels sector and is the first in the country to explore wastewater as a feedstock for SAF production. Johnson Matthey and bp’s FT CANS technology converts synthesis gas from captured CO₂ into synthetic crude oil, which is then refined via Honeywell’s FT Unicracking process into kerosene suitable for SAF blending.

 

“Project Starling is central to Carbon Neutral Fuels’ mission to prove that large-scale decarbonisation of aviation is both technically and economically viable,” said Sophie Zienkiewicz, Co-founder of Carbon Neutral Fuels. 

 

“By working with world-class technology partners such as Honeywell and Johnson Matthey, we are building a facility capable of delivering more than 95% lifecycle emissions* savings compared with conventional jet fuel, while helping to establish the UK as a leader in sustainable e-fuels.”

 

The collaboration combines complementary technologies to support efficient, scalable SAF production as global demand surges.

 

“Deploying FT CANS technology at Project Starling demonstrates how advanced process and catalyst solutions can enable the next generation of sustainable aviation fuels,” said Alberto Giovanzana, Managing Director, Licensing at Johnson Matthey. 

 

“Working alongside Carbon Neutral Fuels and Honeywell highlights how collaboration across the value chain can help accelerate the transition to lower carbon aviation.”

 

With global SAF demand projected to climb from 344 million gallons to 7.6 billion gallons within the next decade, CNF is actively engaging airlines, fuel suppliers, and strategic partners for long-term offtake agreements and joint development initiatives.

 

“Honeywell’s FT Unicracking technology is designed to provide flexibility, efficiency and cost effective upgrading of synthetic feedstocks into high quality transportation fuels,” said Rajesh Gattupalli, President of Honeywell UOP. 

 

“We are pleased to support Carbon Neutral Fuels as it advances Project Starling and contributes to the expansion of sustainable aviation fuel production.”