Topsoe and CNF partner to deploy SOEC technology for Project Starling, aiming to produce large-scale e-SAF and significantly reduce UK aviation emissions.
Topsoe, a global leader in technologies that support the energy transition, has entered into a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) agreement with Carbon Neutral Fuels (CNF) for the advancement of CNF’s flagship commercial e-SAF initiative, known as Project Starling. This collaboration is centered on Topsoe’s high-efficiency solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) technology, which will play a critical role in enabling large-scale production of next-generation sustainable aviation fuel in the United Kingdom.
The agreement is particularly notable because it represents the first commercial deployment of Topsoe’s SOEC electrolyzer technology specifically for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This milestone reinforces the growing maturity of e-fuel solutions and underscores the increasing interest from industry players seeking to decarbonize aviation with low-carbon, Power-to-Liquid (PtL) pathways.
Sundus Cordelia Ramli, Chief Commercial Officer for Power-to-X at Topsoe, expressed deep satisfaction with the partnership. She highlighted that integrating Topsoe’s SOEC electrolyzers into Carbon Neutral Fuels’ SAF project marks a significant moment for the company. According to Ramli, CNF is operating at the forefront of the UK’s decarbonization strategy by pushing forward a substantial SAF project built on proven, scalable, and diversified production technologies. She also emphasized that Topsoe is proud to support its first commercial SAF customer using SOEC systems and looks forward to working with the broader consortium driving Project Starling.
Echoing this sentiment, CNF Co-Founder Alasdair Lumsden said the company is delighted to collaborate with Topsoe within the ASAP-DAC project framework. Lumsden noted that the extensive research and rich dataset supporting Topsoe’s electrolyzer performance played a key role in building trust and confidence in the partnership. He stressed CNF’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to the decarbonization of the aviation industry and supporting national targets under the UK’s Jet Zero strategy.
For Project Starling, Topsoe will supply SOEC electrolyzer stacks manufactured at its production facility in Herning, Denmark. These deliveries are expected to begin in 2028, contingent on CNF’s Final Investment Decision (FID), which must be secured before full-scale project rollout.
About Project Starling
Situated in Workington, UK, Project Starling is envisioned as a pioneering Power-to-Liquid facility designed to produce approximately 25,000 metric tons of e-SAF annually using renewable electricity and advanced electrolysis. The initiative is currently in the FEED phase, with construction anticipated to commence in 2028. Full operational capability is targeted for 2031.
When operational, the plant is projected to cut lifecycle emissions by up to 89% compared to fossil-based jet fuel, offering a major contribution to the UK’s emission reduction goals and the broader aviation decarbonization roadmap.
In July 2025, the project secured a significant boost when it received a £6 million grant—the largest awarded to any e-fuels company—from the UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuel Fund Window 3. This funding is intended to accelerate SAF development in the country and aligns with government ambitions under the Jet Zero Strategy and upcoming SAF mandate.
