Topsoe, a global player in advanced energy transition technologies, signed a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) agreement with Carbon Neutral Fuels (CNF) for Project Starling, CNF’s commercial-scale e-SAF initiative. The project will integrate Topsoe’s cutting-edge Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) technology. This marks the first commercial use of Topsoe’s SOEC electrolyzers in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.
A Milestone for Commercial e-SAF Production
The agreement represents a major step forward for both companies and the wider SAF industry. By incorporating SOEC technology into Project Starling, CNF aims to unlock high-efficiency Power-to-Liquid (PtL) production and support the UK’s push toward net-zero aviation.
Sundus Cordelia Ramli, CCO, Power-to-X at Topsoe, expressed, “Incorporating our SOEC technology into Carbon Neutral Fuels’ SAF project is a moment of significant pride for Topsoe. Carbon Neutral Fuels is at the frontier of the UK’s decarbonization ambitions. The company is delivering a major SAF project using mature and diversified technologies. We’re pleased to welcome them as our first SOEC customer for commercial SAF production and look forward to helping deliver the project.”
Alasdair Lumsden, Co-Founder of Carbon Neutral Fuels, added, “We’re thrilled to have Topsoe as our SOEC partner in the ASAP-DAC project. The extensive data and research supporting their technology gave us strong confidence in their solution. We look forward to contributing to aviation decarbonization and supporting the UK’s Jet Zero initiatives.”
Technology Delivery and Project Timeline
Topsoe will supply its SOEC electrolyzer stacks from its manufacturing facility in Herning, Denmark. Topsoe will begin deliveries in 2028, subject to CNF’s Final Investment Decision (FID). Located in Workington, UK, Project Starling is the country’s first commercial-scale Power-to-Liquid e-fuels facility. The plant aims to produce 25,000 metric tons of e-SAF annually using Topsoe’s
high-efficiency SOEC technology.
The project is currently in the FEED stage, with:
*Construction planned for 2028
*Operations targeted for 2031
Once fully operational, the facility will reduce lifecycle emissions by 89% compared to fossil-based jet fuel. This will make a significant contribution to the UK’s climate goals.
Strong Government Backing
According to the press release, Project Starling received £6 million in July 2025. The UK Department for Transport awarded this as the largest grant to any e-fuels company under its Advanced Fuel Fund Window 3. This funding supports the government’s Jet Zero Strategy and aims to accelerate the growth of the UK’s SAF sector.
