Stanlow, May 18: Essar Energy Transition (EET), which is working on creating the world’s leading low-carbon process refinery, has successfully completed the Pre-Front End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED) phase for one of the UK’s largest Advanced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production hubs.
Under the proposed Stanlow Methanol-to-Jet (MTJ) project, more than 200,000 tons of advanced SAF will be produced annually, utilizing approximately 550,000 tons per year of renewable e-methanol and bio-methanol feedstock.
Integrating the MTJ facility with the Stanlow refinery will allow SAF to be blended directly with traditional jet fuel from Essar Energy Transition Fuels.
Existing export infrastructure, including the Manchester Jet, Midlands, and UKOP pipeline systems, along with road and marine distribution networks, will enable direct supply of this fuel to the UK aviation sector, major airports, and airlines.
Renewable e-methanol and bio-methanol will be sourced from domestic and international supply sources. Utilizing the existing import and storage facilities of Stanlow Terminals Limited will reduce project costs and facilitate access to low-carbon, affordable methanol feedstock.
This project is partially funded by the UK government’s Department for Transport through the Advanced Fuel Fund (AFF), which has granted up to £2.5 million.
The Pre-FEED stage was completed in partnership with Genesis, evaluating the project’s technical and commercial aspects, including site selection, MTJ technology readiness, refinery integration, carbon emissions performance, and environmental regulations.
The study confirmed that the Stanlow MTJ project represents a robust and reliable advanced SAF opportunity for the UK.
Key findings from the study include:
– The Stanlow manufacturing complex is an ideal location for this facility, equipped with all necessary amenities.
– There are no major barriers to permits and approvals.
– Strong interest in renewable methanol supply has been observed.
– The project presents several integration opportunities that will reduce both costs and carbon emissions.
– Essar Energy Transition Fuels has committed to supporting the full off-take capacity of SAF to meet the UK SAF mandate requirements.
Following the successful completion of the Pre-FEED study, the project is now preparing to participate in the UK SAF Revenue Certainty Mechanism (RCM) process. The project’s large scale, refinery integration, secure logistics, and reliable off-take structure will provide SAF capacity capable of ensuring long-term mandate compliance.
The company plans to initiate the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase by the end of this year and aims to make a Final Investment Decision (FID) by early 2028.
With these achievements, the Stanlow MTJ project has evolved from a mere concept into a significant SAF project ready for investment.
This milestone also strengthens Essar Energy Transition’s Future Fuel strategy. The project is a crucial part of the company’s multi-billion-dollar energy transition investment program in England’s North West, which will create substantial skilled job opportunities in the region.
The SAF production center established by Essar Energy Transition, supported by a robust regulatory framework in the North West, presents a significant opportunity for the UK’s fuel sustainability and security, as well as industrial development. The UK SAF mandate aims for a 22% SAF blend in total jet fuel by 2040, and the proposed MTJ facility will play a pivotal role in achieving this target.
This plant will assist Essar Energy Transition in meeting its SAF needs in the 2030s while contributing to the decarbonization of the aviation sector in the UK and Europe.
Ruth Herbert, Managing Director and Chief Business Development Officer of Essar Energy Transition, stated, “The completion of Pre-FEED is proof that Stanlow MTJ is the UK’s leading SAF project. It has been designed for large-scale operations. By integrating SAF production directly into the existing blending, logistics, and off-take arrangements of a major refinery system, we have significantly reduced risks, costs, and complexities.”
She added that as the UK progresses towards its SAF mandate goals, such projects will become increasingly vital in producing reliable, competitive, and scalable solutions.
Helen Coleman, Managing Director of Genesis, expressed pride in her company’s pivotal role in this important Pre-FEED study. She noted, “Our technical and advisory capabilities have demonstrated that the Stanlow manufacturing complex is an exceptionally suitable location for a large-scale MTJ SAF project. This work has helped Essar Energy Transition confidently advance to the next stage of development.”
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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