May 19, 2026 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- Essar Energy Transition (EET) has completed the Pre-Front End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED) stage for its planned Stanlow Methanol-to-Jet (MtJ) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project, marking a significant milestone in the development of one of the UK’s largest advanced SAF production hubs.

The proposed facility, which will be integrated into the Stanlow refinery complex in northwest England, is designed to produce more than 200,000 tonnes of SAF annually using approximately 550,000 tonnes of renewable e-methanol and bio-methanol feedstock.

According to EET, integrating the MtJ facility within the existing refinery infrastructure will enable on-site blending of SAF with conventional jet fuel while utilising established export and logistics networks, including the Manchester Jet, Midlands, and UKOP pipeline systems, as well as existing road and marine transport routes. This infrastructure is expected to support direct supply to major UK airports and airlines.

The Pre-FEED phase was partially funded through a grant of up to £2.5 million from the UK Government’s Department for Transport under the Advanced Fuels Fund programme. The engineering study, completed in partnership with Genesis, evaluated technical and commercial aspects of the project, including site suitability, technology readiness, refinery integration, environmental compliance, and carbon intensity performance.

EET said the study confirmed that the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex is capable of supporting the facility and identified no major barriers to permitting or consenting. The company also highlighted strong market interest in renewable methanol supply and significant opportunities to reduce costs and carbon intensity through integration with existing refinery and terminal infrastructure.

The project is now expected to move into the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase later this year, with a final investment decision targeted for early 2028. EET also plans to seek participation in the UK SAF Revenue Certainty Mechanism (RCM), which is intended to support long-term SAF production in the country.

The Stanlow MtJ project forms part of Essar Energy Transition’s broader multi-billion-dollar investment programme focused on low-carbon energy initiatives across northwest England. The company said the facility is expected to play a key role in helping meet the UK’s SAF mandate, which requires sustainable aviation fuel to account for 22 percent of total jet fuel demand by 2040.