Public invited to help shape plans for West Cumbria’s sustainable aviation fuel facility

Carbon Neutral Fuels (CNF) is inviting West Cumbria residents to a community drop-in event to view early plans for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility in Siddick.

The plans would bring a 40-acre brownfield site back into use, supporting more than 500 jobs during construction and over 150 skilled, long-term roles once operating.

The drop-in will be held on Thursday 15 October at Cumbria Youth Alliance, The Benny Walker Centre, Longhorn Building, James Street, Workington, CA14 2DF, between 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

Public invited to help shape plans for West Cumbria’s sustainable aviation fuel facility

Carbon Neutral Fuels is inviting the West Cumbrian community to see, early plans for a new sustainable aviation fuel facility in Workington: one that would bring an underused brownfield site back to life and create skilled jobs for the area.

Known as Project Starling, the proposals would regenerate the former Eastman Chemical site at Siddick, turning 40 acres of underused land into a modern facility producing around 42,000 tonnes of SAF a year. Construction is expected to support more than 500 jobs, with over 150 skilled, full-time roles once the facility opens in 2031. The firm describes these roles as long-term careers for local people in a growing industry.

West Cumbria has a proud energy heritage, and Britain’s Energy Coast is ready for its next chapter. Project Starling would source captured biogenic carbon dioxide from producers such as distilleries and farms, bringing new income to local and rural businesses and helping build a lasting low carbon economy across the North West. Industry group Sustainable Aviation estimates that a homegrown SAF industry in the North West could deliver more than 1,500 new jobs and contribute over £219 million to the regional economy.

CNF is also working with local utilities providers on what it believes is a UK first: using recycled wastewater to make SAF, an approach that could open the door for other industries in the region to do the same.

The benefits reach well beyond Cumbria. The UK currently imports more than 70% of its aviation fuel and a new facility here would help protect against international disruption. Fuel made in Britain, from British feedstocks, would strengthen the country’s fuel sovereignty and keep more of the value of the energy transition here at home.

It is also a practical step towards net zero. Long-haul aircraft cannot simply switch to batteries, so aviation will rely on liquid fuel for decades to come. Without action, aviation is projected to account for around a quarter of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions by 2040. SAF works in today’s aircraft and engines, and the UK’s SAF Mandate requires it to make up 10% of jet fuel by 2030, rising to 22% by 2040.

CNF’s power-to-liquid fuel would be made from renewable electricity, water and captured biogenic carbon dioxide, alongside biomethane, and is expected to cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 95% compared with fossil jet fuel.

The proposals are at an early stage, and CNF wants to hear from the people who know the area best. At the drop-in, residents can view the emerging plans, meet the project team and ask questions about the proposals.

Drop-in event details:

Date: Thursday 15 October

Time: 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm

Where: Cumbria Youth Alliance, The Benny Walker Centre, Longhorn Building, James Street, Workington, CA14 2DF